Modi Cabinet Reshuffle This Month? Over 24 Ministers May Get New Portfolios, DMK Entry Also on the Cards

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government could witness a major Cabinet reshuffle this month, with reports suggesting that the portfolios of more than two dozen ministers may be changed. The possible reshuffle comes after recent changes in the BJP’s organisational structure and could reflect the government’s priorities for the coming months.

Several ministers could be assigned new responsibilities, while the workload of some may be reduced. There is also speculation that a few ministers could be moved from the government to key organisational positions in the BJP.

Piyush Goyal Likely to Retain Commerce Portfolio

Piyush Goyal, recently appointed BJP Treasurer, is expected to continue as a Union minister. His role as Commerce and Industry Minister is considered particularly important amid ongoing trade negotiations with the United States.

Although his new organisational responsibility has fuelled speculation about a possible change, sources indicate that the government may prefer to retain him in his current ministry given the importance of ongoing international trade discussions.

Dharmendra Pradhan Could Return to Government

Former Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan is another name attracting attention. Following the controversy surrounding the NEET examination, Pradhan had stepped down from the Education Ministry.

However, speculation is now rife that he could return to the Union government with a different portfolio. His reported allocation of a room near Union Minister Kiren Rijiju in Parliament has further fuelled discussions about his possible comeback.

Hardeep Puri’s Future Under Spotlight

Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri’s Rajya Sabha term is scheduled to end on November 25, putting his future in the Union Cabinet under scrutiny.

If he is not renominated to the Rajya Sabha, questions could arise over his continuation as a minister. Such a development could also affect Sikh representation in the Union Cabinet.

At the same time, the government is reportedly considering greater representation for women. The name of Rajasthan BJP leader Dr Alka Gurjar has emerged in discussions.

South India and Women Could Get Greater Representation

The reshuffle could also focus on regional balance, particularly increasing representation from South India in the Union government. At present, around 10 ministers from southern states are part of the Union Council of Ministers, including three Cabinet ministers and seven Ministers of State.

The government may consider further changes to strengthen its political and organisational presence in the southern states.

Alliance Partners Seek Bigger Share

Demands from NDA allies could also influence the reshuffle. LJP (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan is reportedly seeking a more important portfolio than his current Food Processing Industries ministry.

In Maharashtra, Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena faction is seeking another Cabinet berth. The faction has 13 Lok Sabha MPs, and discussions on the issue have reportedly taken place between PM Modi and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

The Centre is also working to resolve outstanding issues involving the Shiv Sena and NCP factions.

Will DMK Join the Modi Government?

One of the biggest talking points surrounding the possible reshuffle is the speculation that the DMK could join the Central government.

The possibility of the Tamil Nadu-based party becoming part of the ruling alliance has triggered considerable political discussion. Reports claim that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is personally involved in efforts aimed at bringing the DMK closer to the Centre.

However, the reported possibility remains a matter of political speculation, and no formal announcement has been made.

UP Leaders Could Be Moved to Delhi

With the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections approaching, the BJP is also weighing changes aimed at maintaining social and political balance in the state.

Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya and Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak are among the names being discussed for a possible move to the Centre. Maurya’s name has gained particular attention following the appointment of Amarpal Maurya to the BJP OBC Morcha.

A move involving either leader could allow the BJP to recalibrate its social equations in Uttar Pradesh ahead of the crucial Assembly elections.

Anurag Thakur’s Role Also Being Watched

Himachal Pradesh could also feature prominently in the reshuffle discussions. BJP national president JP Nadda and former Union Minister Anurag Thakur are among the party’s prominent leaders from the state.

Any decision regarding Thakur’s future role could have implications for the BJP’s organisational strategy as well as its political and social calculations in Himachal Pradesh.

If carried out, the proposed reshuffle could become one of the Modi government’s most significant reorganisations in recent times, with ministerial portfolios, alliance representation, regional balance and electoral considerations all potentially shaping the final decisions.