Union Cabinet reshuffle: 12 new faces likely to be inducted

NEW DELHI: The Narendra Modi government is likely to induct 12 new ministers in the first Cabinet reshuffle of its third term, according to reports. States such as Uttar Pradesh, which is scheduled to go to the polls next year, are expected to get greater representation.

The Union Cabinet currently has 69 members, including the Prime Minister, while its maximum strength can be 81. Although Piyush Goyal has been appointed BJP treasurer, he is likely to continue as Commerce Minister, according to reports. Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, whose Rajya Sabha term is ending, and Minister of State for Social Justice B.L. Verma could be dropped. Some ministers whose performance has been considered unsatisfactory may also be removed.

More representation for young leaders

More than 65% of the ministers in the Modi government are aged between 51 and 70, while 24% are in the 31-50 age group. Twelve Cabinet ministers and Ministers of State with independent charge are above the age of 70.

At 81, Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) leader Jitan Ram Manjhi is the oldest member of the Cabinet, while 38-year-old K. Ram Mohan Naidu is the youngest.

Against the backdrop of recent student protests, younger leaders could get greater opportunities in the reshuffle. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s son Shrikant Shinde, former Aam Aadmi Party leader Raghav Chadha, who later joined the BJP, and former BJP Yuva Morcha president Tejasvi Surya are among the names being considered.