NEW DELHI: A major reshuffle of the Union Council of Ministers is likely between June 15 and 18, with indications that more than a dozen ministers, including several Ministers of State (MoSs), could be dropped or shifted as the BJP leadership prepares for political and organisational realignment ahead of crucial Assembly elections.
According to party sources, at least two Cabinet ministers and three MoSs are expected to exit the government. One senior Cabinet minister is likely to be assigned the responsibility of leading the BJP in a politically significant southern state within the next few days. The reshuffle is also expected to include changes in leadership across 10-12 ministries, with several ministers being reassigned to different portfolios.
Speculation is growing that NDA allies such as the JD(U), TDP, NCP and RLM could receive representation in the expanded Cabinet, with the former two possibly getting enhanced representation. While most ally representatives are expected to be accommodated at the MoS level, one or two leaders may be inducted as Cabinet ministers. Senior BJP leaders said the reshuffle is being planned with a focus on regional and social representation, particularly keeping in mind poll-bound states such as Uttar Pradesh and Punjab.
The BJP has already initiated organisational changes that are being viewed as precursors to the reshuffle. Union MoS for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary has been appointed BJP chief for Uttar Pradesh, while Harsh Malhotra, MoS for Corporate Affairs and Road Transport and Highways, has been named Delhi BJP president. Their ministerial positions are expected to be filled by new faces from either House of Parliament.
The party is also likely to appoint a Cabinet minister as Karnataka BJP chief and is preparing to announce a new president for the Manipur BJP. Sources indicated that the BJP may facilitate representation for Manipur in the Union Cabinet through the Rajya Sabha.
Several ministers whose Rajya Sabha terms are ending later this year or in early 2027 may be moved to organisational roles. Ministers above 70 and some Rajya Sabha members are also believed to be under consideration for replacement to make way for younger leaders.
Sources said some BJP Morcha leaders could be inducted into the Cabinet for the first time, depending on organisational experience and seniority. There is speculation that one Cabinet minister from Bihar may be replaced by another MP from the same caste group.
Among those reportedly under scrutiny are one MoS each from a southern state, the Northeast and Uttar Pradesh. Several senior Cabinet ministers handling key portfolios could also see changes in responsibilities.
The ministries likely to witness changes include Railways, Finance, Corporate Affairs, Coal, Textiles, Information and Broadcasting, Electronics and Information Technology, Rural Development, Chemicals and Fertilisers, Cooperation, Fisheries, Jal Shakti, Agriculture, Environment, Law and others. Some ministries may receive separate Cabinet ministers instead of being handled additionally.
There is also discussion within the party over allocating ministerial berths linked to Bihar-based allies. Sources in the party has indicated that positions in the Human Resource Development and Civil Aviation ministries at the MoS level may go to alliance partners from the state.
