Cabinet reshuffle likely before PM Modi leaves for 4-nation tour on July 6
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Bharatiya Janata Party chief Amit Shah on Wednesday amid speculation of a reshuffle in the government and the ruling party’s ranks.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Bharatiya Janata Party chief Amit Shah on Wednesday amid speculation of a reshuffle in the government and the ruling party’s ranks.
Modi completed two years in power on May 26 and is likely to carry out a cabinet reshuffle before leaving for a four-nation trip on July 6.
Rajasthan, Assam and poll-bound states Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh are likely to gain in this round of changes. A source in the party said the reshuffle would be minor. Union minister of state for sports, Sarbananda Sonowal, recently took over as the Assam chief minister after the party’s remarkable win in the state.
Minority affairs minister Najma Heptulla, who has turned 75, is believed to be on her way out. Leaders above the age of 75 had reportedly been told not to expect major responsibilities. Power minister Piyush Goyal, a minister of state with independent charge, is tipped for a promotion.
The change in the government is likely to be followed up with changes in the party. Amit Shah, who was re-elected as the party chief in January, is continuing with the old team.
