PM Modi's cabinet reshuffle envisages a vision beyond 2019

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has shaken up his Council of Ministers with a major view to winning 2019 Lok Sabha polls, without disturbing Chief Ministers of 15 states. 

This shows that Modi has decided to think beyond 2024, and has started the selection of his successor as Prime Minister.

There are major take aways from this shuffle.  PM took a lot of feedback from the IFS, IAS and IPS officials during the selection process instead of depending on the political heavyweights.

The fact that Arun Jaitley has been retained and continues as Union Minister of Finance is a sign that he enjoys the confidence of PM Modi.

The other big take away is that the internal dynamics in BJP is about to witness a significant change both in outlook and perspective.

The cabinet shuffle could not have come at a much better time. PM Modi has been in power for 40 months and has 20 more months to go without any corruption charges being levelled against his Council of Ministers. He currently in a solid position.

Word from the Prime Minister's Office and top BJP sources is that the cabinet reshuffle was done keeping in mind 4P's. Each new leader in the cabinet must possess Passion, Proficiency, Professionalism and Political acumen.

Here are a few key takeaways -

1. The Cabinet shuffle is a sign that PM Modi is ready for making significant changes to his Council of Ministers.

2. As a part of the restructuring 6 incumbent Ministers have resigned, so as to be freed up for taking on other responsibilities. Having made meaningful contributions during their tenures, all of them have been important members of the Council of Ministers. The Prime Minister has recognised and appreciated their service to the nation.

3. He has taken a strident measure by inducting 9 new Ministers.

4. In continuance of his track record of identifying his fellow team members on the merit of their past Performance and future potential, the new Ministers have been selected by the Prime Minister with a clear mandate to deliver on his vision of a New India. A vision which is built on the foundations of development and good governance, and with a focus on the Garib, Shoshit, Peedit and Vanchit segments of our society.

5. The new Ministers are going to be strategically placed in key Ministries, especially focusing on last mile delivery directly to the people.

6. The new Ministers come from varied walks of life, bringing in their unique professional perspective and proficiency to the Council. Many of them also bring rich administrative and governance experience.

7. All the Ministers are highly qualified, with a number of them having professional as well as PhD degrees.

8. The Ministers come from diverse social and economic backgrounds, as well as from across the country - stretching from Uttar Pradesh to Kerala and Karnataka; and Rajasthan to Delhi, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar.

R Rajagopalan is a senior correspondent in New Delhi. The views expressed here are his own and do not reflect those of Asianet Newsable