Highlights: Speculations of a major reshuffle in the Modi cabinet are intensifying. There is talk of changes in several key ministries, including Finance and Education. The possibility of Nirmala Sitharaman, Nitin Gadkari, Dharmendra, and Hardeep Puri changing their departments is being speculated. At the same time, there is speculation about Shaktikanta Das, Anurag Thakur, and other new faces getting a place in the cabinet.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s return from his foreign tour has intensified the buzz around a major reshuffle in the Union Cabinet. In political circles, there is strong discussion that the Modi cabinet could be expanded in the next few days. It is being speculated that this change might see several veteran leaders being dropped, while some senior ministers may see their portfolios shifted.
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Preparations for Major Changes in the Finance Ministry
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Amid these discussions of cabinet expansion, the most focus is on the Finance Ministry. Sources claim that apart from Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, reshuffles are possible in the ministries of heavyweight leaders like Hardeep Singh Puri, Nitin Gadkari, and Manohar Lal Khattar. It is believed that the responsibility of the Finance Ministry might be taken from Nirmala Sitharaman and handed over to former Reserve Bank of India Governor Shaktikanta Das.
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Along with this, changes might also be seen in the post of Minister of State for Finance. Young face and Chartered Accountant by profession, Raghav Chadha, who recently joined the Bharatiya Janata Party after leaving the Aam Aadmi Party, could get this important charge, replacing Pankaj Chaudhary. In fact, there is talk of Pankaj Chaudhary being made the new president of the Uttar Pradesh BJP, due to which his exit from the Union Cabinet is considered almost certain.
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New Leadership Possible in the Education Department
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Nirmala Sitharaman, who has successfully handled the Finance Ministry for the last seven years, could now be given a new responsibility. Decisions like raising the income tax exemption limit to Rs 12 lakh annually during her tenure have been widely praised. Now, there is strong talk of her being given the charge of the Ministry of Education, replacing Dharmendra Pradhan.
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Due to the recent NEET paper leak controversy, the current Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has been continuously targeted by the opposition. Various opposition parties, including the Congress, are continuously demanding his removal from the post, due to which his exit from the cabinet is considered almost certain.
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New Faces Might Enter
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There is a full expectation of many new faces getting an opportunity in this cabinet expansion. Apart from Shaktikanta Das, former Union Minister Anurag Thakur could return as a cabinet minister once again. This expansion will also be very important in terms of West Bengal politics, as Sukhendu Sekhar Roy, who rebelled against TMC chief Mamata Banerjee, could also be given a place in the cabinet.
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At the same time, keeping in mind the Punjab Assembly elections to be held next year, senior leader Tarun Chugh from Amritsar could also make an entry into the Modi cabinet. This appointment is considered strategically very important for the party in terms of conquering Punjab.
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Dharmendra Pradhan Targeted by Opposition After NEET Controversy
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For some time now, Dharmendra Pradhan has been continuously targeted by the opposition due to the NEET paper leak case and controversies raised regarding the examination system. Various student organizations and opposition parties have also demanded his resignation. Protests were held at several places, including Jantar Mantar in the national capital, Delhi, and pressure on the government increased to ensure transparency in the examination system. Because of this, speculations were being made in political circles that his department could be changed or he could be given a new responsibility in the organization during the cabinet reshuffle.
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What Could Be the Decision in the Cabinet Reshuffle?
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Political analysts believe that the government faces a challenge in maintaining balance. If Dharmendra Pradhan is removed from his ministerial post, the opposition could present it as their victory. On the other hand, if he is kept in the same post, the government could be accused of ignoring the resentment of the youth. In such a situation, one possibility is being considered that the government may hand over the responsibility of some other ministry to him or give him an important role in the organization keeping in mind the upcoming elections.
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Role of Nitish Kumar and Other Allies
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In an effort to win over allied parties, there are speculations that former Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar could also get a big and important ministry in the Modi cabinet. It is noteworthy that Nitish Kumar resigned from the post of Chief Minister of Bihar some time ago and Samrat Chaudhary has taken over the command of the state in his place.
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Currently, Nitish Kumar is active in Delhi politics as a Rajya Sabha MP, and his becoming a Union Minister would be a major move. Apart from this, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s son and MP Shrikant Shinde could also be given a ministry. To win over the Darjeeling region of West Bengal, there is a strong possibility of including the BJP MP from there, Raju Bista, in the cabinet.
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