The Hindu Business Line : New Cabinet

This refers to "Manmohan Singh's team takes charge", "The loyalty factor", and "Youth face of Congress conspicuous by its absence" (Business Line, May 23).

It seems that Congress has given priority to the veterans in the party, denying chances for the youth. The allies have shown the willingness to bring a few new faces like Mr Dayanidhi Maran.

Though the loyalty factor played a part in the allotment of berths to Mr Shivraj Patil and Mr P. M. Sayeed, who lost the elections, they may prove their efficiency as they have vast experience. But it sets a bad precedence. It seems that the party is not still in a daring mood to test the youngsters who can prove their calibre as ministers. Almost all the erstwhile stalwarts got accommodated.

Mr Ram Vilas Paswan, almost a full term minister in all the non-Congress ministries since 1989, has succeeded this time also to ensure his berth in the Cabinet. The nominations from the Rajya Sabha have a good precedence. The Prime Minister himself is represented through the Rajya Sabha.

C. P. Velayudhan Nair

Kochi

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