NEW DELHI: For days there have been reports of a cabinet reshuffle in the second Modi government. However, the cabinet will be expanded this evening at 6 pm after putting an end to all the speculations. The new ministers will be sworn this evening and assume office. A number of leaders, many of whom are likely to be inducted as ministers, arrived at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence to meet him. When new faces are inducted, who all will be excluded? There are presently 54 members in the Modi cabinet and it can go up to 81.

It is heard that more than 20 ministers will join the cabinet of the second Modi government through reshuffling. A good portion of it will be women and those belonging to backward classes. The reshuffle is being done with an eye on the assembly elections to be held in UP next year. The names of BJP leaders like Meenakshi Lekhi, Sobha Karandlaje, Anupriya Patel, Sunita Daggal, Heena Gavita and Sonewal are actively heard. Reports from Delhi confirmed the names of Narayan Rane, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Kapil Patil and Ajay Bhatt. V Muraleedharan, a Keralite will be given the independent charge of tourism department. Indications are that he will retain foreign affairs. Young leaders including Varun Gandhi have also arrived in Delhi at the request of the party.

The JD (U) will also be represented in the cabinet this time. The BJP has reached an agreement with Nitish Kumar in this regard. There are reports that Nitish has asked for four ministers. Two ministries are likely to be given.

With rumours circulating that two cabinet ministers will be excluded, discussions have already begun on who will be the next. Earlier, there were reports that Human Resources Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal would be excluded from the ministry. This is following health issues. Labour Minister Santosh Gangwar has already tendered his resignation. It is not clear what new post he will get. He has confirmed to the news agency that he has resigned.

Meantime, there are hints that there will be changes in the portfolios of the existing ministers. Purushottam Rupalla, G Kishan Reddy and Anurag Thakur may be promoted to cabinet rank The ministers' performance was discussed at a recent meeting of top BJP leaders. There are indications that Nirmala Sitharaman will be given another department. The Union Health Minister may also change.