Cabinet reshuffle on the cards

New Delhi, Jul 6: With the Agriculture Minister and the newly appointed ICC chief, Sharad Pawar complaining about his work load, a cabinet reshuffle seems to be on the card.

Ever since the news of Pawar calling on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh seeking reduction of his "burden" came up, the media has been buzzing with reports on the possibility of a reshuffle in the cabinet.

Leading television news channels such as Times Now and CNN-IBN, quoting official sources, reported that the reshuffle is likely to take place before the Monsoon session of the Parliament, scheduled to kick start on Jul 26.

The reshuffle can be expected anywhere between Jul 10 and Jul 15.

The development gains significance on the backdrop of the growing criticism against the Agriculture Minister. The minister had made a similar request earlier but was turned down. However, the fact that this time the Prime Minister promised to "think" about it has also added strength to the cabinet reshuffle speculations.

Besides the Agriculture portfolio, Dr Singh may also be rethinking the Telecom ministry as allegations of corruption have been slapped against the Telecom Minister, A Raja. Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee also met DMK supremo Karunanidhi, sources recalled to note that the government is treading cautiously as it wants to retain south Indian ally, DMK's loyalty.

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