Hyderabad: The Narendra Modi-led Union government is likely to undertake a major Cabinet expansion and reshuffle ahead of the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament, with reports suggesting changes based on electoral strategy, regional representation, community balance and organisational responsibilities.
According to sources, the exercise is expected after Prime Minister Narendra Modi returns from his overseas visit scheduled between July 6 and July 11. The reshuffle is likely to follow the announcement of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) new national office-bearers.
The BJP is also expected to announce a revamped national team after consultations involving senior leaders, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP National General Secretary (Organisation) B.L. Santhosh.
Focus on Poll-Bound States
The proposed Cabinet expansion is expected to give greater representation to leaders from states heading for Assembly elections, including Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Uttarakhand. Leaders from West Bengal, where the BJP has recently strengthened its organisational presence, are also likely to find representation.
The party is expected to strike a balance between regions, communities and organisational experience while implementing its “one person, one post” principle.
Portfolio Changes Likely
Apart from inducting new faces, the government is also expected to reshuffle portfolios of several existing ministers.
Speculation suggests Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal could be assigned the Finance Ministry, while Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman may be shifted to the Education Ministry. Reports have also indicated that Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan could face changes following criticism over the alleged NEET examination paper leak.
Former Union Minister Anurag Thakur is reportedly being considered for a return to the Cabinet. There is also speculation that former Reserve Bank of India Governor Shaktikanta Das could be inducted to strengthen the government’s economic policy framework, though there has been no official confirmation.
Changes in Party and Government
Several senior leaders are expected to move between organisational and government roles. While some BJP office-bearers may be inducted into the Union Cabinet, a few senior ministers could be assigned party responsibilities or appointed as Governors.
The Centre is also expected to accommodate allies in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Reports suggest leaders from Janata Dal (United) and Shiv Sena may receive Cabinet representation as part of the expansion.
Monsoon Session Around July 20
The Cabinet reshuffle is expected before the Monsoon Session of Parliament, which is likely to commence around July 20 and continue until mid-August with approximately 19 sittings.
The session is expected to witness new political alignments, including changes arising from recent developments in several political parties, making it one of the key parliamentary sessions ahead of the next round of state elections.
Note: The Union government and the BJP have not officially announced the Cabinet expansion or confirmed any of the reported appointments and portfolio changes.
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