New Delhi, May 17
Although the next UPA government is yet to be formed, jockeying for key ministerial berths has already begun.

Given its own numbers, the Congress has made it clear that it will continue to keep key portfolios like home, defence and external affairs with itself with all senior party leaders retaining their position.

However, human resource development minister Arjun Singh, who has fallen foul of the party leadership, is unlikely to find a berth in the new government.

An indication to this effect came today when Singh, a member of the Congress core group, did not attend the meeting at Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s residence though he did turn up later for the CWC meeting.

Among the allies, Karunanidhi’s DMK, which won 18 seats, has already staked claim on eight ministerial berths, which include three posts for his son, daughter and nephew Dayanidhi Maran.

The DMK is expected to bargain for its old ministries like Information Technology and Telecom, Surface Transport, Company Affairs as well as MoS berths in Finance.

Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Bannerjee with 19 seats is learnt to be keen on getting back her old portfolio of railways.

The NCP, which has won nine seats, wishes to retain the Agriculture and Civil Aviation ministries it presently held. Though the National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah is also likely to be accommodated, the Congress is in a fix as it has also to find place for two other senior leaders from Jammu and Kashmir, Ghulam Nabi Azad and Saifuddin Soz.

Among the Congress leaders, Kamal Nath is eyeing the Finance Ministry while Kapil Sibal is keen on the External Affairs Ministry.

However, Pranab Mukherjee is expected to get one of these key ministries. Home Minister P Chidambaram and AK Antony may retain their old portfolios.

There is also a furious debate on the party’s choice for the next Lok Sabha Speaker.

The names being mentioned are Urban Development Minister Jaipal Reddy and senior MP Kishore Chandra Deo. However, RJD leader and Rural Development Minister Raghuvansh Prasad Singh may be a surprise nominee if the Congress decides that it should not push out Lalu Prasad Yadav from the UPA fold.

Party sources said the new government is expected to have several young faces including Rahul Gandhi, Jyotriaditya Scindia, Jitin Prasad, Sachin Pilot and Sandeep Dikshit.