A major reshuffle of Prime Minister **Narendra Modi‘s Union Cabinet is reportedly in its final stages, with the exercise expected to be completed by the third week of July, ahead of or during the initial phase of Parliament’s Monsoon Session, which begins on July 21.
According to sources, the reshuffle follows an extensive review of ministers’ performance chaired by the Prime Minister. Senior BJP leaders have also held a series of consultations to finalise the changes. Union Home Minister Amit Shah is understood to have held important discussions with President Droupadi Murmu as part of the process. The revamp is also expected to align the government with the BJP’s newly reorganised party structure under its national leadership.
One of the key factors driving the reshuffle is the BJP’s “one person, one post” policy. As a result, Union Minister Pankaj Chaudhary, who has been assigned organisational responsibilities in Uttar Pradesh, and Union Minister Harsh Malhotra, now heading the Delhi BJP, are reportedly set to leave the Union Council of Ministers.
Meanwhile, despite the completion of his Rajya Sabha term on June 21, Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu is expected to continue in the Cabinet for the time being, with the BJP leadership reportedly considering his role important for the party’s strategy ahead of the Punjab Assembly elections.
The reshuffle has also gained urgency following the recent resignation of Union Minister George Kurian, creating a vacancy that the government is expected to fill. Some Ministers of State may also be reassigned to organisational responsibilities within the party.
Significant changes are being discussed in several key ministries. According to reports, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman could be shifted to the Education Ministry. If that happens, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal or former Reserve Bank of India Governor Shaktikanta Das are being discussed as possible candidates to head the Finance Ministry.
There is also speculation that Union Minister Nitin Gadkari could be moved from the Road Transport and Highways Ministry to another portfolio. In addition, leaders from NDA allies, including Shrikant Shinde, are reportedly being considered for induction into the Union Cabinet as part of efforts to strengthen the coalition.
Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to visit Indonesia, Australia, and New Zealand between July 6 and July 11. The swearing-in ceremony for the reshuffled Council of Ministers is therefore expected after his return from the overseas tour.
Political observers believe the reshuffle is aimed at improving governance while ensuring broader political representation. The BJP is expected to give greater representation to women, Other Backward Classes (OBCs), and leaders from states heading for Assembly elections next year, balancing governance priorities with electoral strategy ahead of crucial political contests.