Mohindra, Randhawa likely to be deputies

Blurb: Party keen on representation to Hindu, Jat faces

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, September 19

With Dalit leader Charanjit Channi being made the Chief Minister, the party high command in an effort to balance the caste equation is learnt to have decided on offering the post of Deputy CM to a Hindu and Jat leader. The adjustment of an OBC leader is, however, not clear. Sunil Jakhar was also learnt to have been offered the post, but he refused.

Sources said Brahm Mohindra, a Hindu face, and Sukhjinder Randhawa, a Jat, were the top contenders for the posts. Their names have been discussed at today’s meeting.

In the outgoing Congress government, Mohindra, a confidant of Capt Amarinder Singh, was the senior-most minister. On the other hand, Randhawa, who was once close to Captain, had parted ways after differences over fulfilling of poll promises.

With this, the party high command seems to be trying to adjust leaders close to Captain Amarinder. The approach may reflect in the selection of the Cabinet.

Without taking the names, Punjab affairs in charge Harish Rawat said: “Our mutual feeling is there should be two Deputy CMs. Soon we will take a call on it, besides selecting the Council of Ministers. Some names have been discussed but it is the CM’s prerogative, who after discussions with party high command, takes the call.”