PM Manmohan Singh is now all set to walk the talk in politics with a big-bang cabinet reshuffle today, after the recent economic policy push.As opposed to the earlier musical chairs, this reshuffle is also meant to send out some strong signals to the political class..
Early indications suggest a new foreign affairs minister, a significant change as the top four - finance, home, foreign affairs, defence- has not seen too many changes but in unusual circumstances (read post 26/11 terror strike in Mumbai or former finance minister Pranab Mukherjee moving on to become President). Anand 5harma, current commerce minister is expected to take up the job at the foreign office.
While some scam tainted ministers like Subodh Kant Sahai is being dropped from the cabinet, PM Singh is also expected to move out inefficient ministers from top economic ministries like Jaipal Reddy from petroleum and Jayanthi Natrajan from environment. Both ministers have been stumbling blocks in the investment drive.
The first signs of the changes have showed up today, with seven ministers putting in their papers including foreign minister and minister for information and broadcasting.
Induction of some new faces like Manish Tiwari will see some infusion of new blood while some junior ministers belonging to the babalog cadre are expected to get bigger charge.
Ministers with dual charge too will be relieved like Kapil Sibal who may lose HRD, while Moily may have to give up corporate affairs.This reshuffle is being billed as the last chance for PM Singh to bring in some meaningful change to his team as they gear themselves for the final year before elections in 2014.
Expectations of seeing Rahul Gandhi take on a cabinet role may be belied as the Gandhi scion is still in the being ready mode.
