PM Narendra Modi and Amit Shah keep UP coming polls in mind for Cabinet reshuffle

#NewDelhi : The much-awaited Cabinet reshuffle in the Modi government and the appointment of BJP office-bearers, which is likely to happen in the first week of July before the PM embarks on a four-nation tour, will see a sizable representation from poll-bound Uttar Pradesh.

Party sources said Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah are likely to give final touches to the two lists that have been in the making for some time. Earlier there was speculation that the reshuffle will take place soon after the PM’s return from Afghanistan, Qatar, Switzerland, US and Mexico on June 9. The PM would not like to delay the matter further as new ministers would need time to familiarise themselves with their work before the monsoon session that begins on July 18.

There are indications that the reshuffle and declaration of the list of BJP office-bearers is likely to happen before July 7 when the PM leaves for a trip to Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania and Kenya. “The new ministers should have enough time to familiarise themselves with their work before the monsoon session,” a Union minister said.

Najma Heptulla may move to a Raj Bhawan as she has crossed the 75 age cut-off mark but Kalraj Mishra, who turns 75 on July 1, will survive in view of the UP elections. Piyush Goyal may be elevated to the Cabinet rank, while Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi may become minister of state (independent charge), minority affairs. Ministers of state Sanjeev Balyan and Mahesh Sharma are also reportedly in the race for elevation to Cabinet berths.

MJ Akbar, Rajya Sabha MP, may also get into the Council of Ministers, sources said. Newly elected RS MP SP Shukla may also get a berth in the Union ministry.

Domariyaganj MP Jagadambika Pal is also said to be hopeful.

There are indications that law minister Sadanand Gowda may be dropped, while environment minister Prakash Javadekar and Radha Mohan Singh may be moved to another ministry.

The names of probables for induction into Modi’s council of ministers include Bhupendra Yadav, Yogi Adityanath and Bhadohi MP Virendra Singh. BJP MPs Poonam Mahajan and Raghav Lakhanpal may get some organisational role.