The induction of Anand Sharma, a Rajya Sabha member from Himachal Pradesh as a Cabinet-rank minister in the Union ministry today came as a blow to the Virbhadra Singh camp, which has been eyeing a senior level berth in the new government.

However, for the state where the Congress has suffered major losses, the elevation of Sharma to Cabinet rank is seen as recognition of his successful tenure as MOS for External Affairs, and Information & Broadcasting. Earlier, he had worked at several party positions including AICC chief spokesman in 1989 and All India Youth Congress president.

His role as MOS External Affairs and I&B Minister during the signing of the nuclear deal and post 26/11 boosted his image, and helped him in winning the confidence of Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh.

Said Harbhajjan Singh Bhajji, his close associate and former congress MLA, “ We are delighted to see a Shimla man and student leader rising to the post of a Cabinet minister in the union government. Sharma earned this reward through his hard work as a junior minister,” Bhajji said.

Many feel Sharma’s growth to the national level is more due to his close proximity with 10-Janpath and AICC general secretary Rahul Gandhi. Yet he is also given credit for making his own place among the high-profile Congress politicians. The only drawback for him is his lack of grossroot support in the state, since he hasn’t fought any election to the Assembly or the Lok Sabha so far.

When contacted by The Indian Express, Sharma said, “I am humbled by the UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and the Prime Minister’s decision to take me in the first team as Cabinet rank minister. I also thank the people of Himachal Pradesh, and will do my best for their development and welfare as union minister”.

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