Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier reportedly asked his Cabinet colleagues to present their self-appraisal reports since the Bharatiya Janata Party assumed office in May 2014.
Reports suggest that the prime minister has been evaluating his ministers’ performances with an eye on implementing key government schemes before the next round of crucial state assembly polls.
There may be several new entrants in the Cabinet and reports indicate that the government may drop ministers above 75 years of age.
There is speculation that Union Power Minister Piyush Goyal, seen as one of the top performing ministers in the present regime, may be given charge of the finance portfolio.
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, who enjoys the prime minister’s trust, may take charge of the defence ministry for a second time, as the BJP leadership is reportedly keen on sending incumbent Manohar Parrikar back to Goa to ensure it repeats its success in the state which goes to polls next year.
Several performing ministers like Nirmala Sitharaman, Kiren Rijiju and Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore may be elevated and given Cabinet rank.
With Sarbananda Sonowal taking charge as Assam’s chief minister after the BJP’s splendid win in that northeastern state, the sports and youth affairs ministry is presently vacant and being looked after by Minister of State in Prime Minister’s Office Jitendra Singh.
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