Cabinet reshuffle: Dharmendra Pradhan set to return, Shinde Sena to gain - who could be dropped?
There is a possibility that Dharmendra Pradhan could return to Prime Minister Modi's Cabinet as the party's trust in him remains intact
The Narendra Modi cabinet is reportedly set for an expansion, with Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena actively seeking another Union Cabinet slot, leveraging its increased MP count among NDA allies. There is also buzz about the possible return of Dharmendra Pradhan to the cabinet and the inclusion of leaders from Uttar Pradesh. The reshuffle might also prioritize women and southern states, while some current ministers could be replaced.
The Narendra Modi cabinet is reportedly set for an expansion, with Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena actively seeking another Union Cabinet slot, leveraging its increased MP count among NDA allies. There is also buzz about the possible return of Dharmendra Pradhan to the cabinet and the inclusion of leaders from Uttar Pradesh. The reshuffle might also prioritize women and southern states, while some current ministers could be replaced.
The Narendra Modi cabinet is reportedly set for an expansion, with Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena actively seeking another Union Cabinet slot, leveraging its increased MP count among NDA allies. There is also buzz about the possible return of Dharmendra Pradhan to the cabinet and the inclusion of leaders from Uttar Pradesh. The reshuffle might also prioritize women and southern states, while some current ministers could be replaced.
Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena is a leading contender among the regional allies of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) to get another slot in the Union Cabinet as news of expansion gains momentum.
As the Narendra Modi cabinet is expected to receive several new members, Shinde Sena is hopeful that the success of Operation Tiger will be rewarded, Maharashtra-based reports said. It is reportedly rumoured that at least two incumbent ministers could be axed in an effort to make way for fresh faces.
With its strength rising to 13, Shiv Sena (Shinde) has officially made its intention of securing another Cabinet berth known to Chief Minister and BJP strongman Devendra Fadnavis as well, the report said. At present, Eknath Shinde's party has the highest number of MPs among the Mahayuti allies in Maharashtra.
However, all eyes are on Dharmendra Pradhan as the reshuffle talks gain speed. The former Education Minister, who was forced to resign as a consequence of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP)-led protests, may return to the Cabinet with a new portfolio, TV9 Marathi said in a report. The BJP higher-ups remain confident in Pradhan's capabilities and may thus decide to end his exile caused by the NEET paper leak fiasco, the report added.
Listed among the frontrunners to get a new role in the Centre are Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Ministers Brajesh Pathak and Keshav Prasad Maurya. Either of the two leaders is likely to land ministerial responsibilities from the poll-bound heartland state.
Following the reshuffle, it is likely that more women members could be elevated, with representatives from the southern states likely to be given priority. While no names were mentioned, the Marathi report said that the BJP's Dravidian partner in Tamil Nadu could be among the beneficiaries.
Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri could be a casualty of the reshuffle, TV9 Marathi said. His stint in the Upper House will come to an end in late November and the BJP remains undecided whether to allot him another stint or not.
Piyush Goyal, who was pivotal in sealing a successful trade agreement with the United States, is likely to be rewarded by being retained, while several of his colleagues are likely to see some of their mighty portfolios being taken away. Yet other ministers may get additional charges following the reshuffle, which may happen in a month's time, as per the report.