Minor rejig in Cabinet likely if BJP wins Assam

NEW DELHI: The near-unanimity among psephologists that BJP could be cruising to form its first government in Assam under Union sports minister Sarbananda Sonowal immediately reinforced the simmering speculation about a minor shake-up of the Modi government.

The talk in BJP circles is that the vacancy in the sports ministry may be the trigger for a small reconfiguration of the Union council of ministers which has been debated for some time.

They also feel the exercise could coincide with changes in party chief Amit Shah’s team, though the two exercises might not necessarily overlap. The widely anticipated exercise is likely to see portfolios, including a couple important ones, changing hands.

Sources in the government, however, tamped down the buzz saying it was “premature”. A shake-up might factor in the coming elections to Rajya Sabha which can give PM Narendra Modi and Shah an opening to bring in talent not yet represented in Parliament.

A success in Assam will provide the right setting for the campaign being planned to celebrate the second anniversary of the Modi government. According to sources, the government plans to advertise its achievements, and has roped in reputed PR professionals for the purpose.

A couple of important portfolios may change hands. Government sources, however, played down the buzz saying that it was ‘premature’