Jairam Ramesh to be sworn in as railways minister?

21 September, 2012

With Trinamool Congress looking all set to withdraw its six ministers from UPA government, the Indian railways is getting prepared to get a new guardian.

JAIRAM RAMESH would be sworn in as the next railways minister, if the ongoing talk in the town is to be believed. Curiously, Mr Ramesh had once branded railways as world's largest open-air toilet.

Mr Ramesh who has been so far been untouched by any controversy is being remembered for his remarkable job as an environment minister. He may be promoted as railways minister after the present minister Mukul Roy resigns, as per the media reports, which quoted unnamed sources within the Congress party.

However, in case Samajwadi party or Bahujan Samaj Party decide to become part of the government then the railways ministry could become a matter of return gift for the third time in year, says Umesh Kumar, a senior journalist who keeps a tab on the day-to-day functioning of the Congress party.

“I am not sure about the name of Jairam Ramesh, but one thing is sure that Congress will keep the railways with itself after the resignation of Trinmool minister Mukul Roy until and unless SP or BSP decides to become part of the government. In that case the railways ministry will go to them. There are very less chances of SP joining the government but there are 60% chances that BSP may become the part of UPA's cabinet and demands for the railways ministry, which Congress can give without any hesitation,” said Mr Kumar.

What if Mr Ramesh becomes the railways minister? The million dollar question everyone is asking is whether he would be able to change the punchline he gave to the railways? Whether this man, who is known for his straightforward working style, will be able to bring railways back on the profit track?