In a bid to appease those who could not secure a Cabinet berth in Delhi government, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is all set to accommodate its MLAs in the various civic bodies that come under the Delhi government. Majority of them will be accommodated in the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), Delhi Jal Board (DJB) and Delhi Rural Development Board.
According to party sources, among the 29 probables, the two names that have been finalised as DDA members are Somnath Bharti and S K Bagga. Bharti was the law minister during the 49-day AAP government while Bagga defeated BJP chief ministerial candidate Kiran Bedi, from Krishna Nagar, the strong hold of BJP in the recently held Assembly elections.
The sources further said that the party is expecting to appoint 15 parliamentary secretaries, while others are likely to get posts in district development committees. However, the Sheila Dikshit government had only three parliamentary secretaries when in power. Meanwhile, the Opposition said that there is no restriction to the numbers of secretaries, but, as they get a car, an office and other benefits, the government should have a minimal number of them.
According to party sources, a list of 29 MLAs has been approved by Kejriwal before he went on the 10-day medical leave. The Delhi Rural Development Board, which is scheduled to have 20 to 22 MLAs as members, will get Raghuvendra Shokeen, the MLA from Nagloi Jat, as chairman. AAP MLA from Bawana, Ved Prakash will be the vice-chairman.
The party sources further said that the Karawal Nagar MLA Kapil Mishra will be vice-chairman in DJB, where the Chief Minister is usually the chairman, while Prakash Jarwal, the Deoli MLA and Ritu Raj from Kirari constituency will be members. The sources also said that the final decision will be taken soon. Members in these panels enjoy powers to scuttle or approve of any project if in majority. The party has decided to retain its Hari Nagar MLA, Jagdeep Singh, as chief whip. It is understood that Delhi Women’s Commission chief Barkha Singh will be allowed to continue till July 18, the day she retires.