Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to chair a meeting of the Union Council of Ministers on Monday amidst growing speculation about a possible Cabinet reshuffle. The meeting is expected to take place at the newly constructed convention centre in Pragati Maidan, which will also host the G20 summit in September.
Recent political developments in Maharashtra, such as NCP leader Ajit Pawar's inclusion in the BJP-Shiv Sena coalition government and closed-door meetings involving top BJP leaders such as Home Minister Amit Shah and party president J P Nadda, have fueled speculation about a Cabinet reshuffle, news agency PTI reported.
According to the report, former Union minister and senior NCP MP Praful Patel, who recently aligned with Ajit Pawar, is being considered as a potential central government ministerial candidate.
There is also speculation that Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, a key BJP leader in the state, will be appointed to the central government, the report said.
According to the report, sources within the BJP have hinted at giving allies representation in the Cabinet if Modi decides to reshuffle. The upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament, which begins on July 20, is seen as the last opportunity for such an exercise, fueling speculation even further.
Furthermore, as the BJP prepares for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, changes in its organisational structure are expected, particularly in some states.
On June 28, Modi met with Shah and Nadda to discuss organisational and political matters. The upcoming legislative elections will also play a role in the possible Cabinet reshuffle.
The BJP has been actively preparing for various state polls scheduled later this year, with the Congress emerging as a strong opponent following its victory in Karnataka.
States like Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, and Mizoram are due for elections, with the Congress posing a significant challenge to the BJP in the first three states.