Speculations over Union Cabinet reshuffle have already begun. It might take another month for PM Modi to break the suspense over who will land the cabinet berths. The demise of two Union Ministers Suresh Angadi and Ram Vilas Paswan and the resignation of two others have led to four vacancies in the Union Cabinet.
Chirag Paswan to land cabinet berth?
The death of Ram Vilas Paswan who’s LJP had a friendly alliance with the NDA in the Centre has led to a vacancy. Also, BJP’s strategy to let LJP contest solo in the recently held Bihar Assembly elections helped in splitting the votes from the Grand Alliance. Speculations of Chirag Paswan having played to the tunes of the BJP was also heard among political circles. Though the LJP won a single seat, Chirag Paswan may be granted a Cabinet berth by the BJP. It is also reported that the deal between the LJP and BJP was planned prior to the elections. Also, top leaders in the BJP knew that the NDA couldn’t win the Bihar polls without the assistance of the LJP.
For splitting Congress votes in MP, Jyotiraditya Scindia to land cabinet berth.
It is known that Congress’ top leader Jyotiraditya Scindia who joined the BJP, in March had dealt a hard blow to the Kamal Nath government in Madhya Pradesh. Recently, the 49-yr old from the House of Scindia also led the BJP to victory in 19 of 28 seats in the by-elections. In other words, BJP’s plan to wipe out the Congress is slowly bearing fruit.
Sushil Modi a sincere worker
Sushil Kumar Modi, who served as the third Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar from 2005 – 2020 is known for working sincerely. The 68-yr old even displayed his outstanding efficiency in the effective implementation of GST by managing a consensus among state ministers in the GST council meetings. Hence, the party leadership looks forward to utilising Sushil Modi’s services in the Ministry of Finance.
A chance for others
At present, there are 53 ministers in the Union Cabinet. As per law PM Modi can induct 79 Ministers. This means an additional 26 member can be inducted. Now, the Centre mulls expanding the cabinet and thereby dispel the rumours about BJP underestimating its allies. The Cabinet expansion also assumes significance given the fact that West Bengal elections are around the corner.