New Delhi:
Battling perceptions of policy paralysis, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today effected a major reshuffle of his Council of Ministers and expressed confidence that the new team would be able to meet the challenges ahead.
Here are all the reactions on the reshuffle:Prime Minister Manmohan Singh"This was hopefully the last reshuffle before the 2014 elections... The new cabinet is a mixture of youth and experience... Disappointed that Rahul Gandhi has not joined the government."
Salman Khurshid, External Affairs Minister"I am in awe that I would be working with the PM... As I see it is a far younger cabinet."
Shashi Tharoor, Minister of State, Human Resource and Development"Very honoured to be given the chance... Our government is committed to delivering. The time we have is less, but we will deliver... The (IPL) controversies were created more by the media. The whole IPL issue behind me for several years now."
Ajay Maken, Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation Minister(On whether he could return to Delhi politics) "This is for the High Command to decide. I have a portfolio through which I can work for Delhi."
Pawan Bansal, Railway Minister"I did not expect it. It is a major challenge to me given by the party leadership I hope to fulfill it in the best possible way... It would be my endeavour to see that all states get their due as far as Railways is concerned. It should benefit people all over the country. The priority is also to see that safety and cleanliness standards are improved... We have to make sure that it's a people's vehicle. That cannot change.
Veerapa Moily, Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister(On fuel prices) "Yes there are problems, it is volatile, but we need to find solutions."
Ashwani Kumar, Law Minister"Several key bills are pending like the Lokpal... Will work to create political consensus... Will work to improve communication between various bodies... If need be we will reach out to civil society."
Sachin Pilot, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Corporate Affairs"I think if there is a party that has recognised the talent of youth then it is the Congress."
Jyotiraditya Scindia, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Power Ministry"Sad that Rahul Gandhi is not in cabinet...but grateful that he has given us this opportunity."
Arvind Kejriwal, Activist-Politician
"Reshuffle exposes this govt. Corrupt are not just protected but also rewarded."
Shahnawaz Hussain, BJP spokesperson"This reshuffle was lacklustre. It will not do any good to the country or even to the Congress party. It was expected that young blood will be given more representation in the Cabinet but this has not been done."
Parkash Singh Badal, Akali Dal leader and Punjab Chief Minister"This exercise would prove futile. What the country needed at this crucial juncture was some revolutionary changes in policies in the interests of the common man and not political gimmicks or jugglery of sorts to befool the aam adami (common man)."
Saugata Roy, Trinamool Congress leader"West Bengal has been thoroughly deprived in the cabinet reshuffle. West Bengal had two most important leaders (Pranab Mukherjee and Mamata Banerjee) in the Union Cabinet in 2009. Now it has none."
(With inputs from Agencies)