BHUBANESWAR/NEW DELHI: The lack of proper representation of Orissa in the Union Cabinet has disappointed leaders of the State cutting across party lines. While Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said it is unfortunate that the State failed to get adequate representation in the Manmohan Singh Cabinet, an unhappy Minister of State Srikant Jena reportedly reached late for the swearing-in ceremony. Jena, a four-time MP and a former Cabinet minister, was given the MoS, Chemical & Fertilisers, in 2009. He was promised a Cabinet berth. But Jena was upset at being given the MoS (Independent Charge) for Statistics & Programme Implementation this time around. He has retained his earlier portfolio. A sulking Jena told mediapersons that he would take up the matter with Congress president Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and highlight his seniority in politics. He will also apprise them the views of the people of Orissa on lack of representation from the State in the Cabinet. Jena, however, ruled out the possibility of quitting. “In this kind of coalition, there are compulsions...I have no choice...I will perform whatever responsibility is given to me by the Prime Minister,” said Jena, who had sulked after being made Minister of State in 2009. The latest development came as a rude shock for the Orissa Congress, as the BJD and the BJP will use this occasion to expose the Congress’ apathy towards the State. The reshuffle has also let down the State Congress leaders as no new minister was inducted from Orissa. Former chief minister and Sundargarh MP Hemanand Biswal told TNIE that everybody had hoped that there will be proper representation from Orissa this time in the ministry. But everybody is disappointed, he said, adding that injustice has been done to Orissa.
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