Modi all set for Cabinet reshuffle

In order to implement big ticket ideas which are likely to come via the Budget of 2015, Modi needs better political talent around him, says Sheela Bhatt/Rediff.com.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will soon reshuffle his Cabinet. The move has been necessitated due to many reasons, mainly the overburdening of some ministers.

The key portfolios of defence and finance are handled by Arun Jaitley, which is considered an impossible task. Ravi Shankar Prasad (information technology and law) and Prakash Javadekar (information and broadcasting, and environment) are also handling two ministries each.

Modi is looking for more energy quotient in his ministry. The image has been gaining ground that Modi is struggling to bring in change without the backing of a strong council of ministers.

Except for Jaitley, Sushma Swaraj (external affairs) and Rajnath Singh (home), there are no political heavyweights in Modi's Cabinet. Also, Sushma's political mandate is limited while Rajnath has Ajit Doval, national security advisor, overlooking his tasks.

In real terms it seems that Modi and Jaitley from the inside and Bharatiya Janata Party president Amit Shah in the organisation are the only people who matter in the Modi sarkar.

When Jaitley was hospitalised recently the vacuum in both the sensitive and crucial ministries was felt. It raised questions about the huge burden of work assigned to him. It showed that the BJP doesn’t have enough competent people to delegate power.

Amidst speculation about the performances of Smriti Irani (human resources development), Javadekar and Thevarchand Gahlot (social justice), Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar is meeting Modi on Wednesday.

There remains no doubt that Modi's Cabinet is weak in talent and not matching the energy levels that the prime minister would want.

It is said that Modi will reshuffle and expand his council in consultation with Shah and Jaitley.

In order to implement big ticket ideas which are likely to come via the Budget of 2015, Modi needs better political talent around him.

That exercise is taking final shape on Modi's table.

Image: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP President Amit Shah and Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, the three men who matter in the Modi sarkar. Photograph: PTI Photo.

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