As the BJP surges ahead comfortably in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, sources in the government indicate that major changes can be expected in the Cabinet if Narendra Modi returns as prime minister.
This shuffle is likely to affect some of the top portfolios including the Home ministry and Finance ministry. BJP leaders who have inched the party towards victory in the Lok Sabha polls are likely to be rewarded by Narendra Modi.
Plum Portfolio For Amit Shah?
After holding the portfolio of MoS Home in Gujarat, the BJP president could be awarded the Home ministry in the Central government. This could mean a change in berth for present Home Minister Rajnath Singh. Shah’s induction into the Cabinet would also leave the position of BJP chief open.
Sources say the reins of the party president could end up in the hands of Shipping and Road Transport minister Nitin Gadkari and Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, JP Nadda. This could mean further shuffling of the portfolios already held by the two BJP leaders.
A New Role For Arun Jaitley?
A slew of BJP’s economic policies in the last five years, executed under the leadership of Finance Minister Arun Jaitley have received much criticism. This includes demonetisation and GST. With Jaitley’s health problems over the last few years, the Modi government could replace him with an alternative.
Union Minister Piyush Goyal could be a viable option for handling charge of the Finance Ministry. Goyal took over temporary additional change of the portfolio between May and August 2018, during Jaitley’s absence for medical treatment.
Will Sushma Swaraj Remain Foreign Minister?
One of the top performing ministers in the Modi Government, Sushma Swaraj has been battling health problems for months now. In November 2019, Swaraj has stated that she would not be contesting polls due to her health problems. This could mean another BJP leader could take charge of the External Affairs portfolio.
Key Berths For Alliances?
While the BJP appears to be surging ahead on its own, roles of allies like Shiv Sena and JDU however, cannot be forgotten. With JDU having a had a smooth sailing in Bihar, Nitish Kumar’s party leaders could receive key portfolios. Ram Vilas Paswan’s LJP and Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena too, will most likely receive portfolios.
The BJP has made massive strides in West Bengal in the Lok Sabha polls. Leaders who contributed to this success could be rewarded with a berth in the ministry. With WB going into Assembly polls in 2021, the BJP is now looking to oust Mamata Banerjee and form its own government in the state. This could mean more importance is likely to be given to key BJP leaders in the state.
States like Maharashtra, Haryana and Jharkhand will be witnessing Assembly polls in the last quarter of 2019 and Assembly polls will be held in Uttar Pradesh in 2022. This could be a driving factor for the Modi government to consider while allotting portfolios.
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