Aravind SundaramThe biggest Cabinet expansion in the recent times is over. In fact, political pundits are calling it more of a new government formation. Representations from over 25 states across India is in this new cabinet. Several women leaders such as Shobha Karandlaje, Meenakshi Lekhi, and Annapurna Devi are now in the cabinet. Also, this new cabinet is the youngest ever.
Surprisingly, Tamil Nadu BJP leader L Murugan taking oath as a Minister of State is something none foresaw. Now, the oath taking ceremony is over, but we all have been waiting to know about the portfolio allotment.
Below is the list of key cabinet portfolios, which the newly inducted cabinet members have occupied.
Jyotiraditya Scindia – Civil Aviation
Civil Aviation Ministry is a fancy portfolio. And, a Civil Aviation is among the few portfolios that get all the media attention. An energetic leader like Mr. Scindia would be a great value addition for the role as he could turn the table around and set a peppy perception for the entire portfolio.
Sarbhananda Sonowal – Shipping, Waterways & AYUSH
Sarbhananda Sonowal is among the most celebrated leaders in BJP. He gave up his Chief Minister post to Hemanta Biswa Sharma in Assam. And, this was the smoothest leadership transformation that ever happened in India.
AYUSH Ministry is something which the first NDA government brought. Yet, we have not seen big developments in this space.Also, Shipping and Water Ways is another segment where major developments are to happen rapidly. Mr. Sonowal is an energetic leader who could transform the entire ecosystem in a short span of time. Hence, he taking over these portfolios will be a great value addition for the entire country. However, let us see how he performs as a Cabinet Minister.
Narayan Rane – Micro Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME)
The former Chief Minister of Maharashtra and a tall leader in the state. Earlier, a Shiv Sena leader first and then a part of Congress. In 2017, he rolled out his own party and merged it with BJP in 2019. Now, the Ministry of MSME falls on his lap. This is a key portfolio because crores of Indians are self-employed. Moreover, several from Maharashtra represent the MSME industry. Therefore, the entire Maharashtra may get benefited with the appointment of Mr. Rane.
Hardeep Singh Puri – Petroleum & Natural Gas, Housing & Urban Affairs
Hardeep Singh Puri is among the few leaders who takes a jig on unwanted criticism. Such Ministers should hold key portfolios, which is often criticism prone. That’s why, Hardeep Singh Puri bagged Petroleum Ministry. Rising Petroleum prices are making significant headlines everyday and hurting the image of the Government. A strongman like Mr. Puri can handle this portfolio with full strength and change the media perception. Urban Development too falls on his lap. This could mean that smart city project will get a big boost is what we can expect.
Mansukh Mandaviya – Health, Chemicals & Fertilizers
Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers is a portfolio belonged to Sadananda Gowda, the former Chief Minister of Karnataka. But, Mansukh Mandaviya is someone who proved that he can smartly manage different portfolios together. This has led him to takeover as the Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers in the 2021 Cabinet Rejig. Also, he is going to hold the portfolio which Dr Harsh Vardhan was holding. Yes, he will be the new Minister of Health & Family Welfare too.
Ashwini Vaishnaw – Railways, IT & Communication
An Engineer, Entrepreneur and a former IAS Officer, Ashwini Vaishnaw is definitely the most competent person to hold technical portfolios. While everybody thought Railways might go to Jyotiraditya Scindia, little did everyone realize that a technical individual like Ashwini Vaishnaw would get this portfolio along with Railways.
G Kishan Reddy – Culture, Tourism & North East
Kishan Reddy until today was the Minister of State for Home. Yes, he was under Amit Shah. He actively participated in several activities and got the work done. This proactive approach did impress the BJP high command and he is now holding Culture, Tourism and North East.
Even though, North East looks a little irrelevant for him, he could possibly make a difference in any role given. However, is it for the purpose of developing tourism in the region or passively have control over the region is something we will know as time goes on.
Anurag Thakur – Information & Broadcasting as well as Sports & Youth Affairs
Young leaders like Mr. Thakur are given double promotion in this cabinet expansion. While he sat as Minister of State for Finance & Corporate Affairs, he will now switch to Information & Broadcasting. Also, he is going to handle Sports & Youth Affairs. All these together, he is going to show a lot of muscle power over a lot of pressing issues in the public domain.
Wrap Up
Hence, this reshuffle is reinstating the fact that India as a country is for everyone. A person from SC/ST or Brahmin or any other community can very well get an opportunity to hold key portfolios. Let us see how these new Ministers are going to fare in the coming days.
In the meantime, we will discuss about the significant MoS portfolios given which has a global significance. Also, we will discuss about Mr. L Murugan’s presence in the Cabinet.
Keep watching for our next blog.
Aravind Sundaram
Guest Author