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EAM Jaishankar Arrives In Colombo For First Official Visit Of New Term

June 20, 2024, 10:59 am

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar arrived in Colombo on Thursday, marking his first visit since the start of the new term. During his trip, he will engage in discussions with Sri Lanka’s leadership.

EAM Jaishankar expressed his gratitude to Sri Lankan Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Tharaka Balasuriya and Eastern Province Governor Senthil Thondaman for their warm reception. He emphasized Sri Lanka’s importance in India’s Neighborhood First and SAGAR policies.

“Landed in Colombo for my first visit in the new term. Thank Minister of State @TharakaBalasur1 and Governor of Eastern province @S_Thondaman for the warm welcome. Look forward to my meetings with the leadership. Sri Lanka is central to our Neighborhood First and SAGAR policies,” Jaishankar posted on X.

During his stay, Jaishankar will hold discussions on a broad range of topics related to the partnership between India and Sri Lanka. “This will be EAM’s first bilateral visit after the formation of a new Government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” the MEA stated in an official release on Wednesday.

The visit underscores India’s ongoing commitment to Sri Lanka, its closest maritime neighbor. “Reaffirming India’s Neighbourhood First Policy, the visit underlines India’s continued commitment to Sri Lanka as its closest maritime neighbour and time-tested friend. The visit will add momentum to connectivity projects and other mutually beneficial cooperation across sectors,” the Ministry added.

Jaishankar, a key BJP leader who guided India’s diplomatic direction during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s second term, has resumed his role as External Affairs Minister in the new government and returned to his duties at the Ministry of External Affairs in South Block last week.

Modi 3.0: How Ministers Learnt Their Portfolios at First Cabinet Meet?

June 12, 2024, 11:09 am

After nearly 18 hours of anticipation, the suspense surrounding the portfolios of the 30 Cabinet ministers finally dissipated.

Throughout the wait, ministers and their aides remained glued to television screens and constantly refreshed websites, eagerly awaiting the “communique” from Rashtrapati Bhavan.

It wasn’t until they convened for the first Cabinet meeting of the new government at Lok Kalyan Marg that their curiosity was appeased.

Upon their arrival, each minister found an envelope on their seat, containing not only their assigned portfolios but also the names of the ministers of state attached to their ministries, sources disclosed.

In previous terms under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the President’s secretariat typically issued the communique by afternoon. However, this time, the wait was prolonged.

Unlike in 2014, when several portfolios were leaked on the day of swearing-in, this time the details remained tightly under wraps until the conclusion of the Cabinet meeting.

It was only after the meeting adjourned around 6:30 pm that names began flashing on TV screens and websites.

The final list of portfolios was officially unveiled at approximately 7:30 pm, marking the moment when ministers of state, including those with independent charge, learned about their designated ministries. T

his method of distribution, with portfolios disclosed in written form within envelopes, may have been a novel experience for the ministers.

ADR Report: Who Are These 28 Ministers In Modi 3.0 Cabinet Facing Criminal Cases?

June 11, 2024, 8:06 pm

The Association of Democratic Reforms (ADR Report) has shed light on the composition of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s third Cabinet, uncovering concerning revelations. Out of the 72-member council of ministers, a staggering 28 ministers are entangled in criminal cases. Among them, 19 face serious charges, including attempted murder, crimes against women, and hate speech.

Among the ministers facing the most severe allegations are Shantanu Thakur, the Minister of State for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, and Sukanta Majumdar, the Minister of State for Education and the Development of the North Eastern Region. Both have declared cases related to attempted murder under section 307 of the Indian Penal Code.

Crimes Against Women

The report highlights another disturbing statistic: five ministers have pending cases related to crimes against women. They include Minister of State (MoS) for Home Bandi Sanjay Kumar, Thakur, Majumdar, MoS for Petroleum and Natural Gas and Tourism Suresh Gopi, and Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram.

Hate Speech Allegations

Additionally, the ADR report identifies eight ministers with cases related to hate speech. Overall, 39% of the total ministers have declared criminal cases.

Majority of Ministers Crorepatis

In addition to criminal allegations, the ADR report also delves into the financial status of the ministers. It reveals that a staggering 99% of the new ministers are crorepatis, with an average asset value of Rs 107.94 crores among them. Notably, six ministers boast assets exceeding Rs 100 crores each.

Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, Minister of State in the Ministry of Rural Development and Minister of State in the Ministry of Communications, tops the list with a total asset declaration of Rs 5705.47 crores, including Rs 5598.65 crores in movable assets and Rs 106.82 crores in immovable assets.

The ADR report underscores the need for transparency and accountability within the government, as the new Council of Ministers grapples with these concerning revelations.

Modi 3.0 Cabinet: BJP Asserts Strength Despite Reduced Majority

June 11, 2024, 2:13 pm

Formation of Government: Following the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP-led NDA government has been established under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. This event marks a historic third consecutive term for Modi, despite the BJP experiencing a reduction in the number of seats. The Opposition has interpreted the BJP’s inability to secure an outright majority as a sign of their defeat. However, this narrative fails to account for the resilience and adaptability of the BJP’s coalition politics.

BJP’s Governance Agenda: The decrease in the number of BJP seats does not signal an end to the party’s governance agenda, which remains focused on India’s development and cultural revival. The saffron party has a proven track record of successfully managing coalition governments, as demonstrated by the leadership of Atal Bihari Vajpayee and his deputy Lal Krishna Advani. This current scenario presents another challenge within a democratic framework but also serves to strengthen the BJP’s core ideologies and policies through coalition dynamics.

Modi’s 3.0 Cabinet: Prime Minister Modi’s new NDA government provides a strong rebuttal to Opposition propaganda. The formation of Modi’s 3.0 cabinet sends a clear message that the BJP’s political strength and ideological commitment remain intact, regardless of the seat count. PM Modi’s unwavering focus on development and the cultural revival of Bharat stands firm. The BJP is prepared to engage in respectful negotiations with its allies to ensure the continuity of its policy, and political, geopolitical, and economic agendas.

Opposition Narrative Countered: The narrative that the BJP would be forced to cede important cabinet posts to its allies has been effectively countered. The reappointment of experienced ministers indicates a continuity of policy and emphasizes stability and experience in governance. This is particularly significant at a time when India faces numerous challenges on various fronts, including economic recovery post-pandemic, border security issues, and the need for infrastructural growth.

Strategic Masterstroke: The composition of the new Modi cabinet is a strategic masterstroke that reinforces the BJP’s leadership narrative. It clearly declares that the party is not only in command but also prepared to lead India towards a future defined by robust security, dynamic diplomacy, and sustainable development. This cabinet reshuffle is a testament to the BJP’s ability to balance alliance dynamics while maintaining a firm grip on the government’s direction.

No Compromise on Ideology: One of the most significant messages conveyed through the new cabinet is that the BJP’s ideological base will not be diluted. By retaining key figures like Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, and Nitin Gadkari, who have been instrumental in driving the party’s vision and policies, the Modi government signals continuity in its ideological stance. These leaders have been pivotal in shaping the BJP’s approach to governance, emphasizing economic development, national security, and cultural revival. Their continued presence in the cabinet ensures that these priorities will remain at the forefront of the government’s agenda.

Experience in Cabinet: In response to critics’ concerns about Modi’s ability to manage a coalition government, the strategic inclusion of seven former chief ministers in the cabinet serves as a robust counter to these allegations. The induction of seasoned leaders like Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Rajnath Singh, ML Khattar, Jitan Ram Manjhi, Kumaraswamy, and others who have helmed state governments brings a wealth of administrative experience to the central government. This move consolidates Modi’s position and sends a clear message that the coalition will benefit from the diverse expertise of these veteran politicians.

State Elections Strategy: The recent unveiling of Modi 3.0 cabinet is more than just a reshuffle; it is a strategic maneuver poised to influence upcoming state elections in Haryana, Maharashtra, and Jharkhand. Haryana sees the BJP retaining key ministers as a testament to its social engineering prowess. Maharashtra, with its intricate alliance dynamics, showcases the delicate equilibrium the NDA strives to maintain. Jharkhand, rich in tribal hues, signals a potential shift in the state’s political tapestry with a focus on non-tribal constituencies. This strategic approach ensures the BJP is well-prepared to tackle the challenges ahead, maintaining a strong ideological base and an unwavering commitment to India’s development.

Measly MoS posts reveal BJP’s anti-Bengal stance, says TMC

June 11, 2024, 3:22 am

The scanty representation of Bengal in the Modi 3.0 government has triggered heartburn among BJP workers and leaders in the atate. At the same time, it has given arch-rivals Trinamool Congress the opportunity to deride the BJP’s Central leadership and to claim that the measly two posts of Ministers of State to MPs from the State showed the “anti-Bengali” attitude of the “bohiragotos” (outsiders).

Only two faces from Bengal — State unit president and Balurghat Lok Sabha MP Sukanta Majumdar and Bongaon MP Santanu Thakur — were sworn-in as Ministers of State (MoS) at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Sunday evening.

Expectations were high that of the 12 newly-elected BJP MPs from the State, at least one would get a Cabinet rank and at least two to three will be inducted as junior Ministers.
The poor representation of Bengal in the Modi 3.0 Government also triggered taunts from the Trinamool Congress. Trinamool’s Rajya Sabha leader Derek O’Brien referred to the two leaders from the State who have been made MoS as “half-pant Ministers”.

“These half-pant Ministers will be ineffective. The BJP has insulted Bengal once again. It cares very little for Bengal. Making just two MPs from Bengal as junior Ministers exposes the true colours of the BJP,” said O’Brien. “These bohiragotos (outsiders) have no regard or understanding of West Bengal. They only know how to insult Bengal. The people of the State have understood this. That is why the BJP is down to 12 seats from the 18 it won last time,” he added.

Sukanta Majumdar, the president of the West Bengal unit of the BJP, is one of the new faces inducted into the Council of Ministers. The BJP may now appoint a new chief of its West Bengal unit to rejuvenate the party’s organisation in the State, where it was able to win in only 12 of the 42 Lok Sabha constituencies, six less than its 2019 tally.

Thakur was already a Minister of State for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways in the last Government headed by Modi. He has been given the same portfolio in the Modi 3.0 Government as well.

Modi’s last Council of Ministers had four representatives from West Bengal – Thakur, Nishith Pramanik, John Barla, and Subhas Sarkar. Barla was not fielded by the BJP this time, while Pramanik and Sarkar lost the polls. Thakur could retain his Lok Sabha seat though.

Thakur, who was elected to the Lok Sabha for the first time in 2019, leads one of the warring factions of the All India Matua Mahasangh – the apex body of the Matuas who had migrated from erstwhile East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) to India.

The BJP has been competing with the Trinamool Congress to turn the community into a loyal vote bank. The announcement about the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act just before the Lok Sabha polls helped Thakur retain his support base among the Matuas in Bangaon, one of the constituencies where the votes of the community can decide the fate of the candidate.

Many BJP leaders and functionaries said they were sorely disappointed with the under-representation of Bengal.

“The Central leadership has committed a grave error. Assembly elections are two years away and if it (the central leadership) is serious about winning in Bengal, it should have made one MP from Bengal a Cabinet Minister. That would have sent a clear signal to the people of the State that the BJP is serious about Bengal and cares about Bengal,” said a senior office-bearer of the party who did not want to be named.

“The Trinamool’s ‘half-pant Minister’ taunt is likely to become popular and will damage us politically. It will be used to strengthen the impression among the masses that the BJP central leadership is unfair to Bengal,” said the senior BJP office-bearer.

Since Sunday evening, Bengal BJP leaders have been looking up the representation of various States in the Modi 3.0 Government. And they have formed a strong impression that the party central leadership has not been fair to Bengal.

“Uttar Pradesh has 33 MPs, but has been given 11 berths while Maharashtra has 12 NDA MPs (BJP and its allies) but has got six berths. These choices are dictated by political compulsions and calculations, and those same compulsions and calculations should also have led to Bengal getting a good representation. We don’t know why that did not happen, but it is unfortunate and has left us disappointed. Our cadres will be demoralised,” said another senior party leader.

At least one MP who was expecting a place in the Union Council of Ministers has already started making restive noises. Bishnupur MP Saumitra Khan has threatened to leave the party since he has not been “treated fairly”. Khan, a three-time MP, was with the Trinamool before he joined the BJP before the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

Khan won the Bishnupur Lok Sabha seat on a Trinamool ticket in 2014, and won the same seat as the BJP nominee in 2019 and this time as well.

“It was due to my joining the BJP that the party did well in Rarh Bengal in 2021. I got as many as seven people elected on BJP tickets to the State Assembly. I’ve worked hard for the party, but if the party is not fair to me, why should I stay in the party? The BJP in Bengal is being run by people who’ve never won an election. The party central leadership is promoting people who are dragging the party down in the State,” said Khan.

Rajnath, Amit Shah, Sitharaman, Jaishankar Retain Portfolios in Modi 3.0 Govt; Nadda Gets Health and TDP’s Rammohan Naidu Civil Aviation

June 11, 2024, 3:00 am

The allocation of portfolios to the Union Council of Ministers in the Modi 3.0 government showcased a blend of continuity and change, with several senior leaders retaining their positions from the previous BJP-led NDA government while introducing new faces into key ministries. The composition of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) remained consistent, with Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah, Nirmala Sitharaman, and S Jaishankar retaining their crucial roles in Defence, Home, Finance, and External Affairs, respectively.

Notably, the inclusion of new BJP leaders such as JP Nadda, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, and Manohar Lal Khattar added fresh perspectives to the cabinet. Some ministers from the previous NDA government saw changes in their portfolios, reflecting a strategic realignment within the administration.

JP Nadda’s appointment as the Minister for Health and Chemicals and Fertilizers, along with Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s role in Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, signaled a shift towards addressing grassroots concerns. The portfolio allocation, announced a day after the swearing-in ceremony, underscored Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s guidance and supervision across crucial policy domains.

While ministers like Nitin Gadkari, Sarbananda Sonowal, and Piyush Goyal retained their portfolios, new responsibilities were assigned to others like Ashwini Vaishnaw, who now oversees Railways, Electronics and Information Technology, and Information and Broadcasting. The continuity in key roles, such as Amit Shah’s dual responsibility in Home and Cooperation, reflected a strategic alignment with the government’s priorities.

The allocation also extended to NDA allies, with prominent leaders like Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, Chirag Paswan, and HD Kumaraswamy taking on ministerial roles. The inclusion of leaders from diverse regional backgrounds demonstrated the coalition’s commitment to inclusive governance.

As the new government sets its agenda, the allocation of portfolios reflects a balance between experience and fresh perspectives, aimed at addressing the evolving needs of the nation. With a diverse team in place, the Modi administration is poised to build on its previous successes and navigate the challenges ahead, guided by the principles of good governance and development.

Modi 3.0 Cabinet: Official List of Portfolios Withheld for 24 Hours; Breaks 20 Year Record

June 10, 2024, 11:29 pm

Following Narendra Modi’s re-election as Prime Minister for a third term, delays in announcing ministerial portfolios have sparked widespread speculation. Despite the swearing-in ceremony welcoming 71 ministers to the Union council, the official list of portfolios was withheld for a full 24 hours, marking the longest such delay in two decades. This prolonged uncertainty underscores the complexities of coalition politics and the imperative to address the interests of diverse alliance partners.

Past instances of similar delays are also noted, highlighting the challenges inherent in forming a government that satisfies the demands of various political factions. This delay in portfolio allocation reflects the intricacies of coalition governance, where negotiations and accommodations must be made to uphold the principles of ‘coalition dharma.’ Such delays are not uncommon in Indian political history, as evidenced by previous instances during both UPA I and UPA II administrations.

Even as Narendra Modi’s government embarks on its third term, managing the expectations and aspirations of coalition partners remains a formidable task. The delay in portfolio announcements has led to speculation and rumblings within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), with partners like the Shiv Sena expressing discontent. These challenges highlight the intricate balancing act required in coalition politics, where consensus-building and negotiation are paramount.

These 6 Former Chief Ministers Are Part of Modi’s 3.0 Cabinet

June 10, 2024, 10:56 pm

Six former chief ministers are now Cabinet Ministers in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s new Council of Ministers:

Shivraj Singh Chauhan, the former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, has been allocated the Union Ministry of Agriculture.

Manohar Lal Khattar, former Chief Minister of Haryana, has been given charge of the Power and Urban Affairs Ministry.

Jitan Ram Manjhi, former Chief Minister of Bihar and leader of Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM), has been given charge of the Union Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME).

Rajnath Singh, former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, will continue as the Minister of Defence.

Sarbananda Sonowal, former Chief Minister of Assam, has been appointed as the Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways.

H.D. Kumaraswamy, former Chief Minister of Karnataka and leader of JDS, has been allocated the portfolio of Heavy Industries and Steel.

These former chief ministers now hold significant positions in the Union Cabinet under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Modi 3.0 Cabinet Ministers, Portfolios Announced

June 10, 2024, 8:05 pm

The portfolio for the cabinet led by PM Modi was announces on Monday.

Here is the list of ministers and their portfolios.

CABINET MINISTERS

Shri Raj Nath Singh – Minister of Defence

2. Shri Amit Shah – Minister of Home Affairs; and Minister of Cooperation.

3. Shri Nitin Jairam Gadkari – Minister of Road Transport and Highways.

4. Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda – Minister of Health and Family Welfare; and Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers.

5. Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan – Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare; and Minister of Rural Development.

6. Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman – Minister of Finance; and Minister of Corporate Affairs.

7. Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar – Minister of External Affairs.

8. Shri Manohar Lal – Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs; and Minister of Power.

9. Shri H. D. Kumaraswamy- Minister of Heavy Industries; and Minister of Steel.

10. Shri Piyush Goyal – Minister of Commerce and Industry.

11. Shri Dharmendra Pradhan- Minister of Education.

12. Shri Jitan Ram Manjhi – Minister of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.

13. Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh – Minister of Panchayati Raj; and Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.

14. Shri Sarbananda Sonowal- Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.

15. Dr. Virendra Kumar – Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment.

16. Shri Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu- Minister of Civil Aviation.

17. Shri Pralhad Joshi- Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution; and Minister of New and Renewable Energy.

18. Shri Jual Oram – Minister of Tribal Affairs.

19. Shri Giriraj Singh – Minister of Textiles.

20. Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw- Minister of Railways; Minister of Information and Broadcasting; and Minister of Electronics and Information Technology.

21. Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia – Minister of Communications; and Minister of Development of North Eastern Region.

22. Shri Bhupender Yadav- Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

23. Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat- Minister of Culture; and Minister of Tourism.

24. Smt. Annpurna Devi – Minister of Women and Child Development

25. Shri Kiren Rijiju – Minister of Parliamentary Affairs; and Minister of Minority Affairs.

26. Shri Hardeep Singh Puri – Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas

27. Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya – Minister of Labour and Employment; and Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports.

28. Shri G. Kishan Reddy – Minister of Coal; and Minister of Mines.

29. Shri Chirag Paswan – Minister of Food Processing Industries.

30. Shri C R Patil – Minister of Jal Shakti.

MINISTERS OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)

Rao Inderjit Singh – Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation; Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Planning; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Culture.

2. Dr. Jitendra Singh – Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Science and Technology; Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Earth Sciences; Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office; Minister of State in the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions; Minister of State in the Department of Atomic Energy; and Minister of State in the Department of Space.

3. Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal – Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Law and Justice; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs.

4. Shri Jadhav Prataprao Ganpatrao – Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Ayush; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

5. Shri Jayant Chaudhary – Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Education.

MINISTERS OF STATE

Shri Jitin Prasada – Minister of State in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.

2. Shri Shripad Yesso Naik – Minister of State in the Ministry of Power; and Minister of State in the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.

3. Shri Pankaj Chaudhary – Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance.

4. Shri Krishan Pal – Minister of State in the Ministry of Cooperation.

5. Shri Ramdas Athawale – Minister of State in the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

6. Shri Ram Nath Thakur – Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.

7. Shri Nityanand Rai – Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs.

8. Smt. Anupriya Patel – Minister of State in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.

9. Shri V. Somanna – Minister of State in the Ministry of Jal Shakti; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Railways.

10. Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani – Minister of State in the Ministry of Rural Development; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Communications.

11. Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel – Minister of State in the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Panchayati Raj.

12. Sushri Sobha Karandlaje – Minister of State in the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Labour and Employment.

13. Shri Kirtivardhan Singh – Minister of State in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change; and Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs.

14. Shri B. L. Verma – Minister of State in the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution

Portfolio for PM Modi-led Union Cabinet announced

Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, Nirmala Sitharaman, Dr S Jaishankar Piyush Goyal and Ashwini Vaishnaw retain their ministries. pic.twitter.com/LkZ0MQiTnk

— ANI (@ANI) June 10, 2024

PM Modi To Begin Office At 11:30 Am, Cabinet Meeting First On Schedule

June 10, 2024, 1:17 pm

Today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to commence his third consecutive term in office at 11:30 am, at his office in the South Block of Delhi. This follows yesterday’s swearing-in ceremony, during which he ushered in a 72-member Union Council of Ministers.

The newly sworn-in Prime Minister’s initial plans involve convening a Cabinet meeting. During this meeting, the Cabinet is anticipated to officially request President Droupadi Murmu to convene a parliamentary session.

This session will feature the President’s address to both houses, elucidating the government’s objectives and focal points for the forthcoming term. Additionally, the allocation of additional housing units under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) housing scheme is slated to occur today.

At yesterday’s grand ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan, President Murmu administered the oath of office PM Modi and his cabinet, which includes prominent BJP leaders Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah, Nitin Gadkari, Nirmala Sitharaman, and S Jaishankar.

The Council of Ministers consists of 30 Cabinet Ministers, five Ministers of State with Independent Charge, and 36 Ministers of State. Among the recent additions are three former chief ministers and Suresh Gopi, a former actor now turned politician, who is the BJP’s first Lok Sabha MP from Kerala.

“This team of ministers is a great blend of youth and experience; we will leave no stone unturned in improving people’s lives. I look forward to serving 140 crore Indians and working with the Council of Ministers to take India to new heights of progress,” PM Modi said in a post on X after the ceremony.

एनडीए सरकार में मंत्री के रूप में शपथ लेने वाले सभी साथियों को बहुत-बहुत बधाई और शुभकामनाएं। मंत्रियों की इस टीम में युवा जोश और अनुभव का अद्भुत संगम है। हम सभी देशवासियों का जीवन बेहतर बनाने में कोई कोर-कसर बाकी नहीं रखेंगे। pic.twitter.com/vLcufkcOf1

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 9, 2024

The inaugural gathering of the new cabinet is scheduled for this evening at the Prime Minister’s residence on Lok Kalyan Marg. Following this, the distribution of ministerial responsibilities is expected to follow shortly.

In this freshly formed cabinet, considerable emphasis has been placed on states such as Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, with Bihar securing four cabinet seats and Uttar Pradesh obtaining nine ministerial roles. Among the ministers, forty-two hail from the Other Backward Class (OBC), Scheduled Caste (SC), and Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities. Notably, there is no representation from the Muslim community in the new cabinet.

Introducing Modi 3.0’s Seven Female Ministers, Including Two With Cabinet Rank

June 10, 2024, 1:16 pm

In the third Narendra Modi government’s 72-member council of ministers, there are seven women, two of whom hold cabinet rank. This is a decrease of four compared to the previous council of ministers.

Nirmala Sitharaman and Annpurna Devi were inaugurated as cabinet ministers during the grand ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan yesterday evening.

Ms. Sitharaman, a member of the Rajya Sabha, has previously served in significant portfolios such as finance and defense. Meanwhile, Annpurna Devi, who has served two terms as the Member of Parliament for Koderma, has been elevated from the position of Minister of State to that of a Cabinet Minister. In the previous government, she held the position of Junior Minister for Education.

Other women who were sworn in as ministers yesterday include Anupriya Patel, Raksha Khadse, Savitri Thakur, Shobha Karandlaje, and Nimuben Bambhaniya.

Anupriya Patel, the leader of Apna Dal (Sonelal), a BJP ally, previously served as the Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare in the first Narendra Modi government and was appointed as the Junior Minister for Commerce and Industry in Modi 2.0. However, her party’s representation in the Lok Sabha decreased from two seats to one in the recent election.

Raksha Khadse, aged 37, is the daughter-in-law of veteran Maharashtra politician Eknath Khadse. She has been elected as a Member of Parliament for Raver three times and has previously served as a sarpanch and a member of the Zila Parishad.

Another newcomer to Modi 3.0’s cabinet is Savitri Thakur, a two-time MP from Dhar. Although she won the 2014 election, she did not secure a victory in the 2019 polls. However, in 2024, she made a strong comeback, winning her seat by a margin of over 2 lakh votes. Ms. Thakur also has extensive experience working at the grassroots level in the panchayat system.

Shobha Karandlaje, a two-time Member of Parliament representing the BJP from Karnataka, and previously a state minister, is one of the ministers from the second Narendra Modi government who have been retained in Modi 3.0. In earlier terms, she held positions in the Union government overseeing food processing industries and agriculture and farmers’ welfare.

Nimuben Bhambaniya, aged 57, represents Bhavnagar in the Parliament. A former educator, she has previously served as the mayor of Bhavnagar and has been involved in various organizational capacities within the BJP.

India’s External Affairs Minister Meets Maldivian President Amid Strained Relations

June 10, 2024, 12:46 pm

Dr. S Jaishankar, the Minister of External Affairs, held discussions with Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu in the capital city on Monday, against the backdrop of strained relations between the two countries. This encounter occurred shortly after Jaishankar assumed office as a minister in the Narendra Modi-led government.

People familiar with the matter described President Muizzu’s participation in the ceremony as significant, reflecting the Maldivian leadership’s intent to re-engage with India after a period of strained relations. Muizzu, elected last year following an “India Out” campaign, had called for the withdrawal of Indian military personnel from the Maldives shortly after taking office.

“Delighted to call on President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu of Maldives today in New Delhi. Look forward to India and Maldives working together closely,” Jaishankar said in a post on X after their meeting.

Delighted to call on President Dr Mohamed Muizzu of Maldives today in New Delhi.

Look forward to India and Maldives working together closely. @MMuizzu
?? ?? pic.twitter.com/odHJPRK4Ks

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) June 10, 2024

President Mohamed Muizzu of the Maldives was among the dignitaries who attended the banquet at Rashtrapati Bhavan, along with President Ranil Wickremesinghe of Sri Lanka, Vice President Ahmed Afif of Seychelles, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh, Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth of Mauritius, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda of Nepal, and Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay of Bhutan. The banquet, hosted in honor of the leaders of neighboring countries who attended the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Modi and his council of ministers, reflects India’s Neighbors First policy, even amid some contentious issues with these nations.

This is a developing story. More information will be added.

Modi 3.0: Explore Political History of 7 Former Chief Ministers in New Cabinet

June 10, 2024, 12:11 pm

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was sworn in for his third consecutive term on Sunday, matching Jawaharlal Nehru’s record of leading the Congress party to victories in 1951-52, 1957, and 1962 national elections. Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) secured three consecutive wins in the parliamentary elections — 2014, 2019, and 2024. Narendra Modi’s elevation from a four-term chief minister to the prime ministerial position came on the back of a nationwide groundswell in his party’s favor in 2014. The BJP won 282 seats, and the NDA secured over 300 berths in the 543-member Lok Sabha. In 2019, their strength increased further with the BJP and NDA winning more than 300 and 350 seats, respectively, in the House.

Seasoned Leadership: Seven Former Chief Ministers Join New NDA Government

Narendra Modi‘s political journey has been remarkable, marked by his rise from humble beginnings to becoming one of India’s most influential leaders. Beginning as a RSS pracharak, he entered mainstream politics in 1987 when he joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Modi quickly rose through the ranks, serving in various organizational roles within the party. His leadership qualities and administrative acumen came to the fore during his tenure as Chief Minister of Gujarat from 2001 to 2014, where he implemented several developmental initiatives and earned the reputation of being a decisive leader. In 2014, Modi led the BJP to a historic victory in the Lok Sabha elections, securing a majority on its own. He assumed office as the 14th Prime Minister of India, focusing on economic reforms, infrastructure development, and enhancing India’s global standing. Modi’s second term, beginning in 2019, has seen continued emphasis on initiatives like ‘Make in India’, ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’, and ‘Digital India’, along with key policy reforms such as the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. Throughout his tenure, Modi’s leadership has been characterized by a blend of charisma, innovation, and a strong nationalist agenda, shaping India’s political landscape and leaving a lasting impact on its trajectory.

Rajnath Singh, the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister, has left an indelible mark on Indian politics through his multifaceted career. Beginning as a student activist with the ABVP, he ascended to become the BJP National President, demonstrating his organizational prowess. Elected as an MLA in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly in 1977, he subsequently held key positions, notably as the state’s Education Minister, where he introduced pioneering reforms like the Anti Copying Act and Vedic Mathematics in the syllabus. His leadership as State President of the BJP unit in Uttar Pradesh was marked by strategic expansion and resilience during political crises. Elevated to Chief Minister of the state in 2000, he steered India’s most populous state with distinction. At the Centre, Singh’s contributions were equally significant, serving as Minister of Agriculture and later as Minister of Home Affairs. He championed initiatives such as the NHDP and spearheaded transformative projects like the Kisan Call Centre and Farm Income Insurance Scheme. Throughout his illustrious career, Singh has advocated for credibility in politics, emphasized India’s rich cultural heritage, and staunchly opposed authoritarianism, as evidenced by his opposition to the National Emergency in 1975. A staunch proponent of women’s empowerment, he has taken steps to increase women’s participation in various sectors, particularly in the armed forces during his tenure as Defence Minister. With a background in physics and a passion for engaging with students and youth, Singh continues to be a stalwart figure in Indian politics, driven by his vision of a self-reliant India leading the world stage while embodying the principles of “Antyodaya,” the upliftment of the last person.

Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the longest-serving BJP chief minister, implemented pro-women welfare schemes and agriculture reforms during his tenure in Madhya Pradesh. His association with the RSS and the student wings of the BJP dates back to his early years. Joining the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh in 1972 at the age of 13, Chouhan has maintained close ties with its top leaders. Chouhan’s commitment to addressing social issues is evident in his initiatives to combat female foeticide in Madhya Pradesh since 2006. His political journey includes multiple terms as an elected member of Parliament, representing his constituents in various capacities. He served on significant committees such as the Committee on Agriculture and the Joint Committee on Offices of Profit, contributing to policy discussions at the national level.With a margin of over 260,000 votes, Chouhan was re-elected to the 14th Lok Sabha in 2004. His roles within the BJP have been diverse, including positions such as National General Secretary, Secretary of the Parliamentary Board, and Secretary of the Central Election Committee. Additionally, he chaired the Housing Committee of the Lok Sabha and served on the Committee on Ethics, showcasing his multifaceted contributions to governance and party affairs.

Manohar Lal Khattar, the 10th Chief Minister of Haryana and a BJP leader, prioritized e-governance and initiatives for the welfare of the girl child during his tenure. He represented the Karnal constituency in the Haryana Legislative Assembly. Before his political career, Khattar was a former Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) pracharak. He took on the role of Chief Minister of Haryana in 2014 and 2019. His journey in politics began in 1977 when he joined the RSS at the age of 24. In 1979, after interacting with various saints and RSS workers, he committed to a lifetime with the Sangh and became its Pracharak in 1980.Transitioning to the BJP in 1994 after 14 years of service with the RSS, Khattar made significant strides in his political career. His first notable achievement was managing the BJP’s first election in Gujarat in 2002, where the party won 3 out of 6 seats. Subsequently, he led the party’s Haryana campaign for the 2014 General Elections, securing victory in the Karnal constituency the same year. Additionally, Khattar has been a member of the BJP’s National Executive Committee. His ascendancy to the position of Chief Minister in 2014 marked a historic moment as he became the first individual from the BJP to hold this office in Haryana.

HD Kumaraswamy, a former Chief Minister of Karnataka, brings a unique background as a film producer to his political career. As the son of former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda, Kumaraswamy embarked on his political journey in 1996 when he clinched victory in the Kanakapura Lok Sabha seat. Despite facing numerous setbacks in his extensive career, Kumaraswamy persevered and made comebacks. In 1999, he suffered defeat against his arch rival and Congress leader D K Shivakumar in the Sathnur Assembly seat. However, in 2004, he emerged victorious from the Ramanagara Assembly seat, where he remained undefeated until he shifted to the neighboring Channapatna constituency.

In 2006, he assumed the role of Chief Minister of the state from February 4, 2006, to October 9, 2007, after forming an alliance with the BJP. During his tenure, he introduced the “Grama Vastavaya” initiative, earning him the title of People’s CM. In September 2007, amidst a power-sharing agreement, he initially announced his resignation but later declined to transfer power to the BJP. Eventually, he resigned and handed over power to the BJP for a brief period, only to withdraw support later, leading to the imposition of President’s rule in the state.

Jitan Ram Manjhi, the former Chief Minister of Bihar, made significant contributions to Bihar’s political landscape during his tenure. As the leader of the Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM), Manjhi served as Bihar’s Chief Minister from 2014 to 2015. He notably became the first Chief Minister from the state’s Musahar community. Having been an MLA since 1980, Manjhi also held the position of Lok Sabha MP from Bihar’s Gaya constituency. Throughout his political career, Manjhi has been associated with various parties, including the Janata Dal (United) led by his close ally Nitish Kumar. He initially entered politics in 1980 as a candidate for the Congress party, serving in three consecutive cabinets under Congress chief ministers in Bihar until 1990. Following that, he joined Lalu Prasad Yadav’s Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) before becoming a minister in the RJD state government from 1996 to 2005. Eventually, he aligned with Nitish Kumar’s JD(U). In 2021, Manjhi sparked controversy by using derogatory language against Brahmins, leading to backlash from the influential community. One member even offered a reward of ₹11 lakh for anyone who would cut off his tongue. Despite the controversies, Manjhi emerged victorious in the Gaya constituency during the 2024 general elections.

Sarbananda Sonowal, the former Chief Minister of Assam, played a crucial role in bolstering the BJP’s presence in the Northeast and prioritized infrastructural development during his tenure. Sonowal, who held portfolios such as Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, as well as Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) in the previous administration, is known to share a close bond with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His reputation for integrity, effective communication skills, and popularity among the masses in Assam earned him another ministerial role at the Centre for the third time. Sonowal served as the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Youth Affairs and Sports in the initial Modi government from 2014 to 2016. He then resigned to lead the first Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led coalition government in Assam.

These leaders have left indelible marks on their states’ political and social fabric, with their parties striving to uphold their legacies in current governance.

Modi 3.0: Trio from Odisha with Cabinet Rank in New Central Government

June 10, 2024, 8:51 am

Amidst the BJP’s impressive performance in the Lok Sabha elections in Odisha, the party has nominated its esteemed tribal leader, six-time Sundargarh MP Jual Oram, along with Sambalpur MP Dharmendra Pradhan and Odisha’s Rajya Sabha MP Ashwini Vaishnaw, to the Union Council of Ministers. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inducted three Cabinet-ranked ministers from Odisha on Sunday.

Odisha Ministers

1. Ashwini Vaishnaw

Rank: Cabinet
Portfolio:
Ashwini Vaishnaw, born on July 18, 1970, is a former IAS officer who has held several key positions in the Central government, including Minister of Railways, Minister of Communications, and Minister of Electronics & Information Technology from 2022 to 2024. He has represented Odisha in the Rajya Sabha since 2019 and is a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Vaishnaw began his administrative career in 1994 in the Indian Administrative Service under the Odisha cadre, where he took on various roles throughout the state. During his IAS tenure, he engaged deeply with Odisha’s developmental and governance challenges.

He serves on the Committee on Subordinate Legislation and Petitions as well as the Committee on Science and Technology, Environment, and Forests, contributing significantly to legislative and policy discussions.

2. Dharmendra Pradhan

Rank: Cabinet
Portfolio:
Dharmendra Pradhan, born on June 26, 1969, retained the Sambalpur Lok Sabha seat in Odisha, defeating his Biju Janata Dal rival Pranab Prakash Das by 119,836 votes. Pradhan served as the Minister of Education and Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship in the previous government. An alumnus of Talcher College and Utkal University, he has also been Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas and Minister of Steel.

3. Jual Oram

Rank: Cabinet
Portfolio:
Jual Oram, born on March 22, 1961, represented the Sundargarh constituency of Odisha as a Member of the 17th Lok Sabha. A senior BJP leader, Oram has been elected to the 12th, 13th, 14th, and 16th Lok Sabha. He won the Sundargarh seat by over 100,000 votes.

Oram has held significant Central government positions as a Cabinet minister under Prime Minister Modi. He serves as the Vice-President of the BJP and is one of the two founding members of the party in Odisha’s Legislative Assembly. Oram has also served as the state president of the BJP for over four years and was the leader of the opposition in the Odisha Legislative Assembly.

Smriti Irani, Anurag Thakur, Narayan Rane Excluded From Modi 3.0 Cabinet

June 9, 2024, 8:11 pm

BJP leaders and former Union Ministers Smriti Irani, Anurag Thakur, and Narayan Rane are not part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s third cabinet. Smriti Irani, who was the Women and Child Development Minister in the second term of the Modi government, lost the Lok Sabha election from Uttar Pradesh’s Amethi by over 1.6 lakh votes to Congress loyalist Kishori Lal Sharma.

She had defeated Congress’s Rahul Gandhi in his family bastion five years ago. Anurag Thakur, who held the sports information and broadcasting portfolios, won the general election from Himachal Pradesh’s Hamirpur but is not included in the Union Cabinet this time. Narayan Rane, the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Minister in Modi 2.0, won the Lok Sabha election from Maharashtra’s Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg but has also been excluded from the new cabinet.

Some of the BJP leaders who are part of the Modi 3.0 cabinet include Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, Nirmala Sitharaman, S Jaishankar, Nitin Gadkari, Mansukh Mandaviya, Piyush Goyal, Ashwini Vaishnaw, Dharmendra Pradhan, Bhupendra Yadav, Prahlad Joshi, Kiren Rijiju, CR Paatil, L Murugan, Hardeep Puri, ML Khattar, Shivraj Chouhan, Gajendra Shekhawat, Suresh Gopi, and Jitin Prasada. Leaders from other parties in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) who have been included are HD Kumaraswamy, Jayant Chaudhary, Pratap Jadhav, Ram Mohan Naidu, Sudesh Mahato, and Lallan Singh.

Rajeev Chandrasekhar, who lost to Shashi Tharoor in a close contest, is also missing from the new government. However, a majority of the outgoing ministers are set to continue in the Modi 3.0 cabinet.

Modi’s Oath Ceremony Update: Return Of JP Nadda In Modi 3.0 Cabinet

June 9, 2024, 7:56 pm

BJP Chief JP Nadda has returned as a minister in the cabinet of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is taking oath for a historic third term. Nadda, who was in charge of the health ministry in the first cabinet of PM Modi from 2014 to 2019, took charge as the BJP chief in 2020, replacing Amit Shah.

#WATCH | BJP leader JP Nadda takes oath as a Union Cabinet minister in the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA government at Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi pic.twitter.com/knM5gxYy58

— ANI (@ANI) June 9, 2024

Seventy-one ministers are taking oath today along with PM Modi. The Council of Ministers includes several NDA allies, with the BJP falling short of a majority for the first time in a decade. Nadda’s return to the cabinet marks a significant development in Indian politics. His experience as the health minister and his leadership of the BJP make him a valuable asset to the Modi government. The spotlight will be on Chandrababu Naidu’s Telugu Desam Party, which won 16 seats, and Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal United, which added 12 seats to the NDA tally. The BJP has won 240 seats, 32 seats short of majority. Other leaders expected to be included in the cabinet are Rashtriya Lok Dal’s Jayant Chaudhary, Lok Janashakti Party RV’s Chirag Paswan, Shiv Sena’s Pratap Rao Jadhav, HAM’s Jitan Ram Manjhi, AJSU’s Chandra Prakash Chaudhary, RPI’s Ramdas Athawale, Apna Dal’s Anupriya Patel, and Janata Dal Secular’s HD Kumaraswamy.

The oath-taking ceremony is being held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, marking a new chapter in Indian politics.

PM Modi Holds High-Tea For Probable Ministers; View Potential Candidates

June 9, 2024, 1:18 pm

Prime minister-designate Narendra Modi is hosting high tea at his house for his probable ministers, which started at 11:30 am today.

Ahead of swearing-in-ceremony, take a look at probable ministerial candidates who might make it to Modi 3.0 cabinet.

According to News18 sources, former Karnataka CM and JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy has demanded agriculture portfolio. It is hinted, that from JD(U), the ministerial berths will probably go to Lalan Singh, Sanjay Kumar Jha, Ram Nath Thakur, Sunil Kumar, and Kaushalendra Kumar.

And ministers like Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh and Nitin Gadkari will likely be retained.

But as per Hindustan times sources, TDP is asking for 5 cabinet berths and two for its ally Jana Sena.

It is said, that TDP winner from Srikakulam, Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu is likely to get the portfolio.

Meanwhile other alliance partner who are likely to get berths include Chirag Paswan, Anupriya Patel, chief of Apna Dal Party; Jayant Chaudhary, chief of Rashtriya Lok Dal; and Hindustani Awam Morcha Chief Jitan Ram Manjhi.

Moreover, from BJP, leaders like DK Aruna, D Arvind, Basavaraj Bommai, Shivraj Singh Chauhan, Biplab Dev, Nitin Gadkari, Suresh Gopi, Piyush Goyal etc. might get ministries.

It remains to be seen, who will ultimately secure a position in the cabinet and council of ministers during this third term.

BJP Expected To Retain Key Roles In Modi 3.0, Nitin Gadkari Likely To Stay

June 9, 2024, 11:44 am

N Chandrababu Naidu’s TDP and Nitish Kumar’s JDU are poised to secure at least one cabinet position and one Minister of State role each in the upcoming third Narendra Modi administration, as NDA leaders deliberate on the composition of the Modi 3.0 cabinet.

After an extensive 11-hour session at the Prime Minister’s residence yesterday, decisions regarding the new cabinet were finalized. The meeting was attended by Amit Shah, BJP chief JP Nadda, and the party’s national general secretary (organisation), BL Santhosh.

Sources indicate that Prime Minister Modi will be sworn in at 7:15 pm today. Before the ceremony, he will host a tea gathering at his residence for the prospective ministers.

According to sources, Outgoing Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and Roads and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari are expected to maintain their current portfolios.

Additionally, it is anticipated that other allies, including Chirag Paswan of LJP, HD Kumaraswamy of JDS, Anupriya Patel of Apna Dal (Sonelal), Jayant Chaudhary of RLD, and Jitan Ram Manjhi of Hindustani Awam Morcha, will secure ministerial positions. Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena may be represented by Buldhana MP Prataprao Jadhav.

West Delhi MP Kamaljeet Sehrawat, former Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, and Madhya Pradesh leaders Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Jyotiraditya Scindia are also likely to be appointed ministers, as per the sources. Furthermore, BJP leaders from the Northeast, Sarbananda Sonowal and Kiren Rijiju, may return as ministers, along with some other potential candidates.

Despite two consecutive terms with an absolute majority, the BJP fell short of the magic figure this time, securing 240 seats. This has elevated Chandrababu Naidu and Nitish Kumar to the role of kingmakers. Both are seasoned veterans in coalition politics and adept at negotiating, and the BJP’s reduced tally has strengthened their bargaining power.

However, BJP sources previously informed NDTV that they would not relinquish control of the four pivotal portfolios in the Cabinet Committee on Security—Home, Defence, Finance, and External Affairs. Moreover, Nitin Gadkari, the driving force behind the significant expansion of road connectivity during Modi 1.0 and Modi 2.0, is likely to maintain his position.

TDP, securing 16 seats, and JDU, with 12 seats, are reported to have requested significant central roles. The unveiling of Prime Minister Modi’s new team will reveal whether these demands have been met.

From JDU, it is speculated that former party chief Rajiv Ranjan Singh and Rajya Sabha MP Ram Nath Thakur, son of former Bihar Chief Minister Karpoori Thakur, may secure ministerial positions.

TDP MPs Dr Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani and Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu are set to become ministers in Modi 3.0, as announced by party leader Jay Galla on X.

Modi 3.0 Cabinet: NDA Leaders Meet Today to Finalize Ministries

June 8, 2024, 8:31 am

Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s swearing-in for a third consecutive term, the newly elected MPs of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) are set to meet today to finalize the list of cabinet ministers.

PM Modi and his new cabinet members will take their oaths tomorrow evening at a grand ceremony. Modi will become the first three-term Prime Minister since Congress stalwart Jawaharlal Nehru.

The BJP secured 240 seats in the Lok Sabha elections, falling 32 seats short of the majority mark. The four allies crucial for the BJP to reach the majority are N Chandrababu Naidu’s TDP, which won 16 seats, Nitish Kumar’s JDU (12), Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena (7), and Chirag Paswan’s Lok Janshakti Party-Ram Vilas (5).

TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu and JDU’s Nitish Kumar publicly accepted the proposal to elect Mr. Modi as the alliance’s prime ministerial candidate yesterday. They have also provided written support to PM Modi amid speculations that opposition leaders could approach them to stake a claim.

Negotiations are now focused on the BJP and its key allies – TDP and JD(U) – both of which are vying for significant positions in the central government. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena faction and Chirag Paswan’s LJP are also seeking key portfolios in the new cabinet led by Prime Minister Modi.

The INDIA bloc, on the other hand, mounted a strong challenge to the BJP in a national election for the first time since the ‘Modi wave’ of 2014. The opposition alliance finished with 232 seats, 40 short of the 272-majority mark. The Congress, which led the INDIA opposition bloc, secured 99 wins from the 328 seats it contested.