Chouhan hints at axing of some ministers during reshuffle

Bhopal, Nov 29 (UNI) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has not denied the likelihood of a few ministers being axed during a cabinet reshuffle that is on the cards.

''During the exercise, ministers will be assessed on the basis of their work,'' he told UNI here in an interview marking the completion of his first year in office.

Without providing a specific timeframe for the reshuffle, the Chief Minister merely stated that such an exercise might take place either prior to the assembly's budget session or after it but no final decision has been was taken yet.

''Besides, no decision has been taken thus far on the fresh faces to be inducted,'' he disclosed. It is believed that four to six persons are likely to be inducted and at least three to four ministers may lose their berths.

Last year, a change in the Bharatiya Janata Party's political equations led to Mr Chouhan's being bestowed the chief ministerial responsibility after Mr Babulal Gaur bowed out of office.

Ms Uma Bharti, who played a key role in ensuring the BJP's historic win in the 2003 assembly election, was elevated to the post of Chief Minister but the Hubli rioting case forced her to vacate office in favour of Mr Gaur.

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