Modi Cabinet 3.0 Set for Major Overhaul? Allies Seek Bigger Share, Several Ministers May Exit

New Delhi: Speculation is intensifying over a possible major reshuffle of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Union Cabinet, with several ministers likely to see their portfolios changed and NDA allies reportedly pushing for a larger share in the government.

The buzz has grown stronger after no Union Cabinet meeting was held on Wednesday, September 2, despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi returning to Delhi a day earlier from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Bishkek. Modi also attended an event organised by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, but the Cabinet did not meet.

Why September 6-7 Could Be Crucial

The latest speculation stems from the Cabinet meeting held on August 26. Although no major decisions were announced after the meeting, Modi reportedly told his ministers that new colleagues would join the Cabinet at the next meeting.

This has fuelled speculation that the next Cabinet meeting could coincide with the induction of new ministers.

The political calendar also provides a possible window. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is scheduled to visit Ukraine and Poland from September 3 to 5, while the BRICS Summit will be held in New Delhi on September 12 and 13. The BJP’s month-long ‘Seva Sankalp Abhiyan’ is scheduled to begin on September 17.

Against this backdrop, September 6 and 7 could emerge as a possible window for a Cabinet reshuffle, although there has been no official confirmation from the government.

Major Portfolio Changes on the Cards?

According to the speculation, the reshuffle could involve significant changes in the allocation of ministries. Ministers currently handling multiple portfolios could have some of their responsibilities transferred to newly inducted members.

A few surprise names could also emerge.

The party is reportedly considering younger leaders who can connect more effectively with the next generation. There is also speculation that an intellectual or academically oriented figure could be considered for the Education Ministry.

Age Factor Could Trigger Bigger Changes

Age is another factor being discussed in the reshuffle. A number of senior ministers are above the age of 70, and some could see their government responsibilities reduced.

Some senior leaders may instead be given important responsibilities within the BJP organisation, while others could be assigned roles in state-level politics.

Allies Push for Greater Representation

The NDA’s alliance arithmetic could also play an important role.

Around 20 MPs who broke away from the Trinamool Congress and subsequently joined the NDA are expected to strengthen their representation in the government. The growing strength of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, along with demands from the NCP for greater representation, could further complicate the seat-sharing equation.

There is also speculation that the BJP could use the reshuffle to strengthen its outreach to parties such as the DMK.

Ravi Kishan Emerges as a Key Name From UP

Uttar Pradesh could be another major focus of the reshuffle, with BJP MP Ravi Kishan reportedly emerging as one of the names being discussed.

The Gorakhpur MP has a strong public profile and comes from the Brahmin community, making his possible induction politically significant in Uttar Pradesh, where the BJP is keen to consolidate support across caste groups.

For now, however, the reshuffle remains a matter of political speculation. The final list of ministers, portfolio changes and the timing of any expansion will only become clear once the government makes an official announcement.