With the Rajya Sabha elections approaching, speculation surrounding a cabinet reshuffle in the NDA government has gained momentum. The elections are scheduled to be held on June 18 and include 4 seats each from Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka, 3 seats each from Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, 2 seats from Jharkhand, and one seat each from Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh.
BJP’s latest moves, appointing two Union ministers to head state units and denying re-nomination to two others to the Upper House, have triggered rumours that a reshuffle of the Union council of ministers may become imminent. Although it remains unclear which ministries will see major changes, the number could reach up to a dozen ministers.
Major cabinet decision likely ahead of upcoming assembly elections
The BJP led-National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government will mark two years of its current term this week. A 72-member ministerial team led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and comprising 5 ministers of state (independent charge), 30 Cabinet ministers, and 36 ministers of state took oath on June 9, 2024.
According to media reports, the saffron party may make major cabinet decisions ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in multiple states, including Uttar Pradesh. A report by Indian Express, citing sources, mentioned that at least two cabinet ministers and three ministers of state could be removed from the council. There are rumours that a senior minister is likely to be appointed to lead the BJP in a southern state.
Which parties may find place in the new Modi Cabinet
Political observers are speculating that allies like the JD(U), NCP, TDP, and RLM may find a place in the new cabinet under the Modi government. Most leaders from the alliance parties are to be appointed to receive minister of state positions.
Who all are likely to be replaced during the cabinet reshuffle?
It is being claimed that several ministers may be transferred to the organization this year or by early 2027, upon completion of the Rajya Sabha term. Reports suggest that a few Rajya Sabha MPs who have crossed 70 years of age may be considered for replacement in the Modi cabinet. Sources also indicate that BJP front leaders may be considered for the first time, with changes likely to take place in the departments of Railways, Textiles, Fisheries, Corporate Affairs, Finance, Coal, I&B, Electronics and IT, Cooperatives, Water Power, Agriculture and Environment, Rural Development, Law, Chemicals and Fertilizers. However, an official statement is yet to be released.
