Jagran Bureau, New Delhi | After President Droupadi Murmu accepted Union Minister George Kurann's resignation, speculation of a major reshuffle in the Narendra Modi cabinet has intensified. There are several factors, including a split in the TMC and Shiv Sena-UTB, hinting at the expansion of the Modi Cabinet.

Factors Might Be Considered In Cabinet Expansion

The Rajya Sabha memberships of two Union ministers have been terminated, and two others appointed as state presidents. The 20 MPs, who broke away from the Trinamool Congress and joined the NCPI as the largest faction in the NDA, prompted the Bharatiya Janata Party leadership to carry out a Cabinet expansion. Furthermore, the Shinde faction's representation in the Cabinet may also be increased with the inclusion of six Shiv Sena (UTB) MPs.

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The Rajya Sabha terms of George Kurann and Ravneet Singh Bittu ended on June 21st. While Kurian's exit is approved, Bittu's resignation is yet to come. Similarly, Pankaj Chaudhary, who was part of the Cabinet, has been appointed the party's state president for Uttar Pradesh, and Harsh Malhotra for Delhi. There are talks of new faces replacing them.

New Faces Likely To Be Inducted In Nitin Nabin's Team

With the expiration of the Rajya Sabha terms of two ministers and the new political dynamics in Maharashtra and West Bengal, the BJP's new national team could be announced at any time. There is also talk of giving more preference to new faces in the team of 45-year-old Nitin Nabin. Consequently, some existing figures in the organisation may find a place in the Cabinet.

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Sources said this will be the last major reshuffle in the Modi Cabinet, and Prime Minister Modi will continue with his new Cabinet until the 2029 elections. The previous government also saw a mid-term reshuffle, in which 12 ministers were removed, around half a dozen were promoted, and around two and a half dozen new faces were inducted.

Meanwhile, the Union Cabinet can have a total of 81 ministers. Currently, there are 71 ministers, including the Prime Minister, which means there are vacancies for 10 leaders.
(With Jagran.com inputs)