New Delhi: Discussions have intensified in political circles regarding a possible cabinet reshuffle in the central government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Although no official change has been announced yet by the government, speculations are being made about many big names quoting various media reports and sources. There is discussion that the departments of some ministers may be changed, some new faces may get a place in the cabinet and some existing ministers may also be removed.
Why did the discussion about cabinet reshuffle intensify?
In the last few days, PM Narendra Modi and Amit Shah met President Draupadi Murmu separately. Then the market of speculations became heated. On top of that, BJP made major changes in the organisation in many states including UP. The party gave opportunity to new faces and also smoothened the caste equation. Now everyone believes that after the organisation, there will be adjustment in the government also. However, the government has not approved these things.
Names of which ministers are in discussion?
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s name is the most discussed in the news quoting sources. It is being said that in view of the functioning of the Education Ministry and the recent controversies, especially the examination related issues, there is a possibility of change in his department or his removal from the cabinet. Apart from this, there is speculation of change in the department of Hardeep Singh Puri. In some reports, there is also talk of reshuffle in the ministries of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari and Manohar Lal Khattar. At present all these claims have not been officially confirmed.
Which new faces can get a chance?
Shiv Sena MP from Maharashtra Shrikant Shinde may get a big responsibility at the Centre. Bihar’s number may also be included. There is talk that Nitish Kumar’s JDU should get another ministerial post. If this happens, Nitish’s status in NDA will further increase. But again the same thing, neither BJP has spoken nor JDU has said anything.
What does BJP’s organisational change mean?
BJP has recently announced the new state team in Uttar Pradesh, in which a large number of new faces have been included. Along with maintaining social balance, the party has also increased the participation of backward classes and women. Political analysts believe that after the changes in the organisation, there can be a cabinet reshuffle to create balance in the government.
What is the significance of the recent resignation?
After the end of the Rajya Sabha term, Union Minister of State George Kurien resigned. The president also approved. Only after this the news of reshuffle gained wings. Although there are many ministers whose Rajya Sabha term has ended, they still remain ministers.
What has the government said?
Till now, no official announcement has been made by the central government or the BJP leadership regarding the possible cabinet reshuffle. Therefore, all the information related to the names of ministers, changes in departments and entry of new faces is currently based on media reports and sources. The final decision will become clear only after the official announcement by the prime minister and the government.
