As Modi govt takes first steps, troubles too keep pace

Shiv Sena unhappy with portfolio; HRD Minister Irani criticised

It was a hectic first day in office for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as he prepared himself to cope with multiple challenges, including criticism from various quarters about his choice of ministers and a near revolt by ally Shiv Sena, which demanded a meatier portfolio. A miffed Shiv Sena saw to it that Anant Geete, named heavy industries minister, did not take charge. Representatives of the party met Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Rajnath Singh to seek a different portfolio. The negotiations stretched till late in the evening.

Later in the day, the new government was embroiled in a controversy over Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu & Kashmir. Newly appointed minister of state in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), Jitendra Singh, stirred up a hornet's nest, saying, "His (Modi's) intention and that of the government is we have a debate, so that we can convince the unconvinced about the disadvantages of Article 370…If we do not have debate and discussion, how will you be able to tell those who have been unable to understand what they have been deprived of on account of Article 370?"

Repeal of Article 370 has been one of the BJP's long-standing demands. Of late, this has been rephrased as "need for debate on Article 370".

Jitendra Singh said Modi had supported debate on Article 370, keeping in mind democratic values. He added talks would be held with every stakeholder of the state, as all were "equally important". He said the nation's founding fathers, including former PM Jawaharlal Nehru, were of the view that it would be a "transient provision".

Soon, Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah retorted on Twitter, "So, the new MoS PMO says process/discussions to revoke Article 370 have started. Wow! That was a quick beginning. Not sure who is talking…Mark my words and save this tweet-long after the Modi government is a distant memory, either J&K won't be part of India, or Article 370 will still exist."

Mincing no words, he added, "Article 370 is the only constitutional link between J&K and the rest of India. Talk of revocation is not just ill-informed, it's irresponsible."

Asked to respond to the matter, Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, who briefed the media after the new Cabinet's first meeting on Tuesday, said, "The government will take a structured view over debate on Article 370."

On a different front, staunch Modi supporter Madhu Kishwar expressed displeasure on the choice of Smriti Irani as human resource development minister. "Smriti Irani merely class 12 pass. Went to bcm fashion model, on to TV serial bahu. Is this qualification enf 4 India's education minister?" she tweeted.

In another tweet, she added: "Don't mind if Irani made deputy PM in recognition of exceptional talent. But to lead India out of current educational mess, need different type."

Modi, however, had little time for firefighting, as he was engaged in holding bilateral meetings with leaders of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation countries.