With nearly a dozen ministers and BJP stalwarts falling by the wayside in elections, Gujarat Chief Minister-designate Narendra Modi is likely to draft in a set of new faces in his "compact" cabinet to be sworn-in on Sunday.
Induction of new faces is very much on the cards with focus on youth in the "token" team ministers, according to party sources.
Top state BJP leaders, however, remained tight-lipped about the composition of the cabinet.
BJP state unit chief Rajendrasinh Rana said "it is the prerogative of the Chief Minister to select his cabinet team."
"I am not aware about the number of persons to be sworn in along with the Chief Minister," Rana said.
With the party making clean sweep in Central Gujarat comprising Vadodara, Panchmahals and Dahod districts, Modi will have to keep in mind expectations of ministerial berth for elected members from the region, followed by Ahmedabad which also brought in new faces in the assembly.
Though Ashok Bhatt and Gordhan Jhadafiya, members of the previous ministry, are quite likely to be inducted, speculation is rife that Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Ltd Chairman Bhupendrasinh Chudasama will get a ministerial berth.
{{/usCountry}}Though Ashok Bhatt and Gordhan Jhadafiya, members of the previous ministry, are quite likely to be inducted, speculation is rife that Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Ltd Chairman Bhupendrasinh Chudasama will get a ministerial berth.
{{/usCountry}}Modi confidant Amit Shah, who retained Sarkhej seat by the highest margin over nearly 1.5 lakh, also stands a chance, according to the sources.