After thumping victory in the Assembly elections in December 2012, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi had kept his Cabinet compact. Modi’s elevation as BJP Campaign Committee chief would keep him traveling across the country. In the next few months, he is anticipated to completely engross in the activities related to general elections. With these factors, Gujarat’s Capital has become epicentre of political activities amid speculation over inclusion of more Ministers in the Modi Cabinet.
“Modi is also seen as BJP’s probable prime ministerial candidate. In that case, he literally would not have time to focus on Gujarat’s day-to-day administrative affairs. It means there is a need to have Deputy Chief Minister, who can run the show in his absence,” said a senior BJP leader.
The Cabinet expansion was on the cards during Gujarat Assembly’s Budget Session in March. However, it was strategically delayed due to by-elections of four Assembly and two lok Sabha seats in June. “With the victories in various levels of by-elections, things are completely under Modi’s control in his home State. Now it is high time to expand Ministry, which will give his more time to focus on national scale,” he added.
The 17-member Gujarat Cabinet has seven senior and nine junior Ministers apart from Modi, who himself is keeping more than 10 important portfolios. Senior Ministers Nitin Patel, Anandiben Patel, Ramanlal Vora, Bhupendrasinh Chudasama and Saurabh Patel are already looking after too many portfolios.
Ever since Modi took reign of Gujarat, unlike his predecessors Keshubhai Patel and Shankersinh Vaghela, he prefers to keep size of the Cabinet compact. But with focus on national politics, he would require to have more hands for smooth running of Gujarat Government. Besides, keeping lok Sabha elections in mind, he would also require balancing region and castes equations.
Though strong lady in Gujarat BJP, Anandiben Patel is being seen as deputy Chief Minister, other names like Finance Minister Nitin Patel, Energy & Petrochemical Minister Saurabh Patel and even Gujarat Assembly Speaker Vajubhai Vala are being discussed as possible candidates for the post.
Smriti Irani to address Guj BJP office-bearers
BJP’s vice-president and TV actress Smriti Irani will address one-day media workshop organised by Gujarat BJP for the party office-bearers of districts and cities on Tuesday (July 30) in Gandhinagar. Apart from Irani, BJP’s spokesperson Nirmala Sitharaman will also address the workshop along with Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi.
appointments in State PSUs on the cards
Political appointments of the Gujarat Government-owned boards and corporations are also on the cards. Except one or two State PSUs, the CM has not done political appointments. Those working for the party for years are expecting positions in the State PSUs.