NEW DELHI:

Speculation is rife in the political circles that PM Modi may use the window between Makar Sankranti (January 14) and the start of the Budget session to reshuffle his ministerial team. The likely changes may be linked to a plan to revamp the BJP organisation and also the political needs of the party in states where elections are to be held next year.
The window between “Makar Sankranti” after “Kharmas” (ominous time as per Hindu calendar) and the Budget session is seen as the last opportunity to make the changes in the Union cabinet before the 2024 polls, busy election calendar in several states next year and also that it would be a while before the impact of the changes manifests.
Sources said that changes being speculated about could be influenced by the political needs of the party in states where elections are to be held next year and also where it expects to make good gains.
They said that the possible exercise will not only be based on the performance of the ministers but with the view to rotate positions in order accommodate other “deserving” MPs and utilise those relieved from the ministry in the organisational work of the party.
The only reshuffle of the current Modi ministry was effected on June 8 last year in which 12 ministers, including some prominent names, were replaced. Sources expect the likely reshuffle could also be of the same scale. They suggested that the representation from Lok Sabha might be increased and key responsibilities given to members of the lower House.
Besides, a few MPs from Gujarat might be rewarded for the party’s exemplary performance in the assembly polls. It was learnt that the party was of the firm view that since PM Modi and home minister Amit Shah belong to the same state, it should not be a constraint in rewarding those who shaped the party’s stupendous success in the polls.
It was learnt that the party brass has held several rounds of consultations with the state leaders and party functionaries to finalise the proposed reshuffle in which the share of women and those from reserved categories in the Council of Ministers might go up.
During the “consultations” among top leaders, sources said, a list of the possible inclusions was decided. Besides, there was also a common understanding about the need for better coordination between the government and organisation in BJP-ruled states.