Anticipation Grows Over PM Modi's Next Move in Delhi; Union Cabinet Reshuffle Talk Heats Up; Speculation Surrounding Dharmendra Pradhan
New Delhi: Political activity has intensified in the capital amidst growing speculation about a potential Union Cabinet reshuffle. While there has been no official statement from the government, there is talk in political circles that changes could occur soon. Reports suggest that ministers have been informally asked to remain in Delhi, further fueling the speculation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Indonesia, Australia, and other nations in early July; consequently, many believe that if a cabinet reshuffle takes place, it could happen before his departure.
Several key ministries under review
It is reported that several key ministries—including Finance, Education, Railways, Consumer Affairs, and Petroleum—are under review. Speculation suggests that Nirmala Sitharaman could move to the Education Ministry, while the names of Piyush Goyal and former RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das are being discussed for the Finance Ministry. Anurag Thakur’s name is also being linked to the Railways or Commerce Ministry.
Political observers suggest that this exercise could lead to greater representation for leaders from Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, particularly from OBC and Dalit communities. Names from NDA allies are also being discussed, including JD(U)’s Sanjay Jha and Shiv Sena (Shinde faction)’s Shrikant Shinde.
However, these reports remain unconfirmed for now. As with previous reshuffles, the final decision will rest with Prime Minister Modi, who has often surprised both supporters and critics with his decisions.
Speculation Surrounding Dharmendra Pradhan
There is a strong possibility that some Union Ministers could be moved to the BJP organization, while party office-bearers might be inducted into the Modi cabinet. There is also talk of reshuffling the portfolios of certain ministers. Speculation surrounds Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan due to the controversies regarding the NEET-UG paper leak and irregularities in the CBSE digital marking system. Pradhan can be dropped from the cabinet, or his portfolio can be changed.
Pankaj Chaudhary and Harsh Malhotra could be removed
Union Ministers Pankaj Chaudhary and Harsh Malhotra have already been assigned responsibilities within the BJP's Uttar Pradesh and Delhi units, respectively; consequently, both could be removed from the cabinet. The BJP did not renominate two other Union Ministers—George Kurian and Ravneet Singh Bittu—for the Rajya Sabha elections. Kurian has already resigned from his post, whereas Bittu remains a minister.
Reports suggest that the top leadership has asked Bittu to focus on the Punjab Assembly elections. Bittu, the grandson of former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh, hails from the influential Jat Sikh community. The Rajya Sabha tenures of Union Ministers Hardeep Puri and BL Verma are set to end in November; it remains to be seen whether the BJP will renominate them to the Upper House.
With Assembly elections scheduled for next year in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Punjab, leaders from these states could secure a place in the Modi government.