In Pics: Who can get what ministry in PM Narendra Modi- led BJP cabinet?

New Delhi, May 22: Prime Minister- designate Narendra Modi is all set to take oath as the 15th prime minister of India on May 26, Monday at 6 pm.

Since the Lok Sabha election results 2014 were declared on May 16, with BJP coming in power after 10 years, with an absolute majority at 282 seats, there has been a buzz in the political circles as well as on the social media, that who will get what in the Modi- led cabinet.

Known as a "dynamic leader" and for his "iron-fist" governance style, Modi is likely to have a smaller cabinet, which he could then monitor closely, say those aware of his working style.

Former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee also monitored all ministries closely and Modi is also said to be a believer in 'minimum government, maximum governance'.

Many top BJP leaders and NDA allies have huge expectations from Modi and he also seems to take everyone along.

Here, lets take a look at the "dream cabinet", that might come out to be true for some BJP leaders, who have kept a firm eye on some portfolios:

Home minister or Defence minister or may continue as party president

The BJP national president Rajnath Singh seems to be in three minds over whether to continue as the party president or to choose between high-profile ministries of Home or Defence.

But the speculation is rife that Singh may be finalised for the portfolio of Union Home Minister in the central cabinet.

Singh, the former chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, reportedly wants to be number 2 in the Modi government.

Even party's ideologue, RSS is keen to induct Rajnath into Modi's cabinet.

Chairman of NDA or Lok Sabha Speaker

The BJP patriarch LK Advani seems to have been agreed up the role of Lok Sabha speaker.

Since Advani had shared some cold ties with Modi in the past and he is too senior to work under Modi government, he is most likely to accept the role as the Lok Sabha speaker.

Finance minister

Arun Jaitley, who is the only senior BJP leader, who could not secure a win from Amritsar, is likely to get key Finance ministry.

Jaitley reportedly denied to be a part of cabinet following his defeat against Congress strongman Capt Amarinder Singh, but the party has convinced him by saying that "his stature is too big and it doesn't matter, whether he wins or loses."

Deputy Chairman of Planning Commission

BJP stalwart Dr Murli Manohar Joshi was the Union Human Resources Development (HRD) minister in the Vajpayee- led government.

As Joshi and Advani are the most senior BJP leaders, so, he may be appointed as the Deputy Chairman of Planning Commission.

However, some reports also suggest that he may be the next Speaker.

Law ministry

Senior BJP leaderRavi Shankar Prasad is likely to get the prestigious Law ministry, according to reports.

Foreign ministry

Sushma Swaraj has delivered her role as the Leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha, with full panache.

As a strong woman, she is likely to be inducted as the Minister of external affairs.

Surface Transport Ministry , HRD minister or economic portfolio

BJP's former president Nitin Gadkari's name is doing the rounds for multiple portfolios.

He may get Surface Transport Ministry, HRD ministry, urban development ministry or even economic portfolio.

He is also reported to be keen about his past role of the BJP chief.

Ministry of Commerce & Industry

Arun Shourie is regarded as a "technocrat", who served as a disinvestment minister in the NDA government.

This time, he is competing with the other Arun (Jaitley) of the BJP, in the race of the Finance ministry.

Minister of state in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO)

BJP general secretary Amit Shah, the close aide of Narendra Modi, is credited for BJP's victory in Uttar Pradesh, may get a reward by being inducted as the Minister of state in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).

Shah has already served as the Minister of State for Home Affairs in Gujarat, under Modi.

Defense Minister

It is doubtful that Narendra Modi will give VK Singh directly a ministerial berth, he may be made the Minister of State (Defense). Modi is well aware that entire defense forces may not be in high spirits to see VK Singh as their boss.

But Singh's supporters have been lobbying for his candidature as the Minister of Defense. Even a Facebook page was created on May 16- V K Singh for defense minister, who won from Ghaziabad constituency by a margin of over 5.6 lakhs.

Agriculture minister

BJP's senior leader M Venkaiah Naidu is being considered for the cabinet berth in agricultural ministry.

Health ministry

Dr Harsh Vardhan, the 'poster boy' of Delhi politics, was the chief ministerial candidate during last year's assembly elections. In Lok Sabha 2014 polls, BJP swept away with all 7 seats, with Harsh vardhan, at the forefront of campaigning. So, he may manage to get the health ministry in the central cabinet.

He was also the former Delhi health minister when BJP was in power in Delhi.

Civil Aviation minister

Rajiv Pratap Rudy won from Saran seat in Bihar by defeating RJD chief Lalu Prasad's wife Rabri Devi.

Rudy, who holds the commercial pilot's license from the US, is expected to retain his former post of 2004 in the NDA government as the Civil Aviation minister.

Parliamenraty Affairs Minister

From Karnataka, Ananth Kumar has emerged as one of the strongest candidates for the place in cabinet berth.

He had a cakewalk win against Congress high profile candidate Nandan Nilekani in Bangalore South seat.

Kumar has made a double hattrick this time. So, he may be the frontrunner for the Parliamenraty Affairs Ministry. Kumar was a minister in Vajpayee government too.

Minority Affairs Minister

The two prominent Muslim faces of BJP- Shahnawaz Hussain and Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, one of them may be alloted the slot of Minority Affairs Ministry.

Sports ministry

BJP's vice president Uma Bharti, who won from Jhansi, is likely to be inducted as Minister of Sports, the same ministry in which she served in Vajpayee- led government.

However, some reports suggest that she may be given Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

Ministry of Environment and Forests

The wife of Late Sanjay Gandhi, Maneka Gandhi, who won from Pilibhit, is likely to get Ministry of Environment and Forests in the Modi cabinet.

A well- known animal right activist, environmentalist, Maneka has authored a number of books on animal welfare.

She has also won international awards and global acclaim.

Home Minister?

Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar may be considered for the Ministry of Home, however, Rajnath Singh is also a contender for this high- profile berth.

Parrikar's role in cabinet is still speculative,but he has clearly mentioned that "if Modi wants he would think about it".

Parrikar has said that he would also be happy to chip in with additional responsibility if required.

Several media reports have hinted that Parrikar, considered close to Modi, would be home minister in his 'dream cabinet'.

After taking over as chief minister of Goa in 2012, Parrikar publicly announced that it would be his last stint as a legislator in the state, fuelling speculation that he was angling for a national role.

Women and Child development Ministry

Although Smriti Irani ended up as a runner up in the fight against Amethi MP Rahul Gandhi, but she is likely to get a berth in Cabinet as the Minister of Women and Child development.

Petroleum ministry

The LJP chief tied up with the BJP before Lok Sabha elections. His decision reaped positive fruit for both LJP and BJP in Bihar.

Although, BJP came to power with thumping majority, but still, as a courtesy or reward, it may give Petroleum ministry to Paswan.

He may also get Ministry of social justice and empowerment, as some reports indicate.

PMK too in the queue of cabinet ministers

Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) MP Anbumani Ramadoss is reportedly eying the Union Health ministry, but he is unlikely to get a place in the cabinet due to CBI case against him.

But some reports say that he is certain to get a portfolio in the cabinet as BJP has too maintain its presence in the south, so, it will have to accommodate its allies with cabinet berths or Rajya Sabha seats.

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