Delhi political circles indicate that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is preparing for a major reshuffle of the Union Cabinet, possibly within this month. The exercise could lead to changes in portfolios for more than 20 ministers.
The reported move comes ahead of upcoming Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Goa, Punjab, Manipur, Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh. Sources say the reshuffle is also being viewed through the lens of representation, including the absence of a Brahmin Cabinet minister from Uttar Pradesh and the need to increase representation for Dalits and most backward communities.
In recent months, the NDA has expanded with MPs joining from parties such as the Trinamool Congress, Shiv Sena and the Aam Aadmi Party. Some of these entrants are said to be expecting ministerial berths, adding to the pressure for adjustments.
Vacancies have also emerged due to Rajya Sabha term-related changes. George Kurian and Ravneet Singh Bittu have resigned after their Rajya Sabha tenures ended, while the terms of Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri and MoS B.L. Verma are set to end soon.
A key development being discussed is the possible return of former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who stepped down amid the NEET question paper leak issue. He is expected to be re-inducted with a different portfolio, with sources pointing to office space allotted to him near minister Kiren Rijiju in Parliament premises—typically reserved for ministers.
