One-post norm creates vacancy in Team Modi

NEW DELHI: The appointment of minister of state Raosaheb Patil Danve as Maharashtra BJP chief has opened the door to a small reshuffle of the Modi ministry as the party does not encourage one person holding two posts.

Danve's expected exit from the ministry will mean a replacement from Maharashtra and there is also a possibility of the next reshuffle seeing minority affairs minister Najma Heptullah being moved to a governorship.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expanded his ministry once since BJP assumed office and no major changes are immediately due. There might, however, be room for some changes after the Delhi polls if BJP succeeds in forming the government.

Apart from the Delhi election, the important contest in Bihar towards the end of the year is another factor that may influence the next round of changes in the council of ministers.