Sushma Swaraj ill: Cabinet to have a stand-in minister?

The Cabinet cannot afford to have a long-absence in the department of External Affairs. Will Modi hire Sushma's proxy?

New Delhi, Nov 16: After news of External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj's illness became public, speculations about a stand-in minister in the Cabinet are rife. On Wednesday, the minister herself Tweeted that she is hospitalised because of kidney failure and is undergoing tests for a kidney transplant.

She Tweeted, "I am in AIIMS because of kidney failure. Presently, I am on dialysis. I am undergoing tests for a Kidney transplant. Lord Krishna will bless. Friends, this is to update you on my health."

Her unquestionable efficiency was evident in her hectic schedule in 2014 since she assumed office in May. She travelled 15 countries in 7 months. She visited another 15 countries in 2015, but the numbers started dwindling in the last few months as she could cover only 8 countries to promote India's intentions of strengthening ties with its ASEAN partners.

Inside sources say that Minister of State MJ Akbar is currently shouldering much of the burden of overseas visits.

[Read: Sushma's 'Swaraj' on social media; Her ailment tops Twitter search results]

On December 3, 4, India is scheduled to host the sixth Heart of Asia Ministerial Conference in Amritsar. Swaraj's visit to Pakistan for the previous chapter in December 2015 had earned good results as the meeting led to the revival of India-Pakistan comprehensive dialogue.

Meanwhile, speculations have to be put to rest about the new stand-in minister before the Heart of Asia conference.

[Read: Sushma Swaraj gets Get Well Soon wishes on Twitter]

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