UPA shifts gears

You can almost hear the page turn to Chapter Two in the book called the United Progressive Alliance.

You can almost hear the page turn to Chapter Two in the book called the United Progressive Alliance. Sunday’s reshuffle of the Union cabinet was a measured exercise to fill gaps brought on by the attrition of 20 months of the government, to reward loyalty, promote performance and balance the coalition. It also shifts gears to increase the speed and imparts enhanced torque to the governmental vehicle. Nearing its third year mark, the Congress-led UPA government has gained experience in running a coalition, as well as the management of the central government itself.

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The reshuffle is clearly a part of the exercise of revitalising the party and the government on priorities set out by its leader Sonia Gandhi at the recent Hyderabad plenary. It also bears the stamp of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. His hand is clearly visible in the appointment of Murli Deora and Sushil Kumar Shinde, as well as the decision to elevate Kapil Sibal to cabinet rank, and have Ambika Soni join his team with the tourism and culture portfolio.

The PM’s decision to retain the external affairs appears to be in keeping with his commitment to keep the position vacant till the judicial commission on the Volcker affair submits its report. The fact that the top cabinet positions have remained untouched indicates that the aim was to make changes without disturbing the overall positive equilibrium of the government. However, the PM’s decision to divest Mani Shankar Aiyer of the petroleum portfolio seems to be a signal that, though mild he may be, the PM will insist on ministers’ following the dharma of collective responsibility on matters of policy by his council of ministers.

The clutch of new appointments at the cabinet and junior level will certainly lubricate the machinery of the government: some are highly regarded for loyalty to the party and public service, others represent the need to maintain a regional balance. And some clearly target the coming state assembly polls. Whether it is promotion of ministers, induction of veterans or coalition partners, the reshuffle signals the government’s aim to uphold the dharma of coalition politics, as well as of good governance.