Losers Get Cabinet Berths, Winners Miss Out: Modi 3.0 Surprises Many

The recent formation of the Modi 3.0 government has indeed brought several surprising decisions regarding ministerial appointments. There are leaders who swept the polls with their victory, but still couldn't book a berth for themselves in the PM Modi-led NDA Cabinet. On the other hand, there is Congress turncoat leader who lost the polls yet took the oath as a minister yesterday, reported NDTV.

The chosen ones:

Ravneet Singh Bittu - Punjab

A two-time MP from Punjab and an ex-Congressman, Bittu switched to BJP but lost the Ludhiana seat to Congress' Amrinder Raja Singh Warring. Surprisingly, Bittu was chosen for a ministerial position despite his electoral defeat, signaling BJP's strategy to bolster its presence in Punjab.

George Kurian - Kerala

The BJP general secretary in Kerala and a lawyer by profession, Kurian was appointed as a minister without being a member of any House. His inclusion highlights BJP's intent to strengthen its foothold in Kerala and reach out to the Christian community in the state.

L Murugan

Despite losing the election from Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu, Murugan was retained as a minister, indicating his significance in the BJP's strategy. He has previously held roles in ministries like fisheries, animal husbandry, and information and broadcasting.

The omitted ones:

Anurag Thakur

Despite winning his fifth consecutive Lok Sabha election from Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh, Anurag Thakur was not included in the new Cabinet. This decision was influenced by the inclusion of BJP chief JP Nadda, also from Himachal, to avoid having two ministers from the same state.

Ravi Shankar Prasad and Rajiv Pratap Rudy

Both veteran BJP leaders and multiple-time MPs from Bihar did not receive ministerial positions despite their electoral victories. This is notable given that Bihar has eight ministers in the new cabinet.

Parshottam Rupala

A former Gujarat BJP chief and a minister in previous Modi governments, Rupala was not included in the new cabinet despite winning the Rajkot seat. His exclusion follows a controversial pre-election period.

Narayan Rane

The former Maharashtra CM and a key leader who joined BJP after ditching Shiv Sena and Congress, Rane won the Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg seat but did not secure a ministerial role this time.