Suresh Prabhu as defence minister, Vasundhara for external affairs: Is this Modi's new cabinet?
A crucial cabinet reshuffle is on the cards after the end of the Parliament session that concludes on April 12.
The name of railway minister Suresh Prabhu is doing the rounds and sources say that he is likely to be made the defence minister of India. A crucial Cabinet reshuffle is on the cards after the end of the Parliament session that concludes on April 12. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley was given additional charge of defence after Manohar Parrikar moved to Goa as the CM.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is keen on having someone senior and trustworthy as the defence minister. The ministry cannot be handled as an additional charge as it is a crucial portfolio, Modi also feels. If the name of Prabhu does not work out, then a new face from the states is likely to be brought in to take over the mantle.
If Prabhu is given defence, then the mantle of the railways may fall on Manoj Sinha who is currently the minister for state for railways. The BJP is thinking of making Sinha a Cabinet minister and give him the full charge of railways.
Sources also say that possibility of Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje may be brought to Delhi. The rumour mill is abuzz that she is likely to be made the external affairs minister. Sushma Swaraj who has health issues is unable to travel extensively and hence her replacement is being considered. If Vasundhara is moved to Delhi, then she is likely to be replaced by Om Mathur, the BJP's general secretary.
The BJP is also contemplating moving J P Nadda to Himachal Pradesh if the BJP comes to power. Nadda who is the Union minister for health has been a contender for the post of Himachal Pradesh CM. Elections in the state are due in October.
After the Parliament session, the BJP would also discuss the possible candidates for President of India. There are several names that are doing the rounds amid growing demands for Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat to take over the post. The BJP is also contemplating making the 76-year-old minister, Kalraj Mishra as a governor. He is currently the minister for micro, small and medium enterprise.
OneIndia News