Sonia hints at Cabinet reshuffle

A Cabinet reshuffle after Vijayadashami is a clear possibility, with UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi indicating more opportunities will be given to young MPs in the government.

The Congress president's remarks came at a question-answer session at the HT Leadership Summit here. "You must have noticed in the last party exercise that opportunities were given to quite a number of younger MPs and non-MPs. More opportunities will be given to them in Parliament and in government," she said.

"I hope that it will be possible quite soon," she added.

To a question whether that meant a reshuffle was in the offing, she said, "You should have asked the prime minister."

Sources in the government said MP from Gwalior Jyotiraditya Scindia was likely to be inducted in the government and several senior ministers could be drafted by the party.

Kanimozhi, DMK leader and daughter of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, was also likely to be made minister, the sources said, adding the average age in the Cabinet would be brought down.

Meanwhile, speaking at the same summit, Sonia said her son Rahul may have got a headstart but will have to work hard to prove himself and succeed.

"The name of the family or experience of the family gives you a headstart, it helps in the beginning. But in our system, which is a democratic one, you have to prove yourself," she said.

Dismissing speculation that his appointment as party general secretary was the first step towards becoming her successor, Gandhi said, "Unless you prove yourself, you cannot go ahead and I think this is... true for every sphere of activity, whether it is business or any other profession."

To a question whether his appointment was the first step for a rapid rise, Gandhi said, "I don't see this... He himself would not want to see himself as that."