Narendra Modi cabinet expansion likely by June-end; BJP to get a new party president

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi may accommodate some more NDA allies in his Cabinet expansion — likely to take place in the last week of June — and give more representation to Maharashtra and Bihar where polls are due in a few months as well as states like Bengal where the party is trying to make further inroads.

BJP sources said the twin issues of choosing a new party president and Cabinet expansion may get Modi’s undivided attention after his two-day visit to Bhutan from June 15.

However, both are likely to take place around June 25, the sources said. “The Cabinet expansion and election of new BJP president is likely to be completed before the budget session begins,” a party leader said.

Among the allies, RPI leader Ramdas Athavale may get a portfolio in Modi sarkar. With polls in Maharashtra due in October, Athavale can play a crucial role in getting Dalit votes to the coalition. After Gopinath Munde’s death, Modi is likely to induct another BJP leader to keep the region’s quota intact.

The number of leaders likely to be inducted into the council of ministers is being pegged at 20. From Bihar, Rajiv Pratap Rudy may get a slot, sources said. In Bengal, Darjeeling MP SS Ahluwalia may be given a Cabinet berth. With Rajasthan having only one MoS, one more leader could be included in the council of ministers. Some minority leaders may also get a chance.

BJP is also set to get a new party chief with Rajnath Singh joining the government. Party General Secretary JP Nadda is still the frontrunner for the post. Though Amit Shah is also said to be in the reckoning for the post of BJP chief, there is a feeling in the Sangh and the party that having the PM and the president from Gujarat would not go down well among the cadre.

“Due to the good working relationship between Nadda and Shah, and with both being close confidants of Modi — the latter will continue to hold sway in decision-making even if Nadda becomes the chief,” a party leader said.