Venod Sharma: The man who could have been CM

It is often said that but for his trigger-happy son,Sharma would have been the automatic choice for the post of CM when the Congress came to power in Haryana in 2005. But to extend the argument a bit,Sharma would have never come to state politics,but for the Jessica Lal episode. Having done his stints as Youth Congress president,MLA,Rajya Sabha MP,Cabinet minister,Sharma’s ascension had been rapid. He came to state politics only when he had to resign after his son was accused of murder.

A pariah in Centre and denied a ticket in 2004 elections,the UPA chairperson handed him the responsibility of Haryana elections slated in 2005. Sharma’s financial and political clouts were instrumental in the Congress’ thumping victory. He won the MLA election from Ambala. Sharma’s support to Hooda was critical for him to become the CM over other contenders to the post,including old guard Bhajan Lal,Birender Singh,and young aspirant Randeep Surjewala.

Sharma’s influence in the state Government was too conspicuous to be ignored and jokes about him being the de facto CM (he shifted his house next to that of CM’s official residence) did seem to have a semblance of seriousness. First assigned the Department of Excise and Taxation,Sharma was shifted to Power,again at his own behest. This was done as Sharma got busy with securing the bail for his son and was unable to give time to a department usually considered the most strenuous.

However,the furore that followed after some sting operations revealed that Sharma had tried to influence some witnesses,led to his resignation from the cabinet. But even after his departure,the post of power minister remained vacant with the CM himself taking care of the portfolio.

Of late,Hooda had started giving statements about cabinet expansion. But these were often qualified by a caveat,that the new minister would be a Brahmin. The reference to Venod sharma was obvious as no Brahmin leader in the state apart from him could be included in the mid-term expansion of the cabinet.

The Congress high command knew that Sharma’s support would be essential in the Lok Sabha elections as well as the Assembly elections slated in 2010. But including him as a member of the cabinet looked a risky proposition,for the fear of inviting public furore and hence,the post of president of state Congress committee was chosen. Another indication of the importance of this appointment is that the same post in Punjab is occupied by none other than Captain Amarinder Singh,the former chief minister,the man who would lead Punjab in the Lok Sabha polls,and in all possibilities be the chief minister nominee in next Assembly elections. There might not be a similar unanimity about Sharma’s political progression from here,but there is no doubting his influence.