In a grand ceremony, Prime Minister Narendra Modi swore in his new Council of Ministers, marking the onset of Modi Cabinet 3.0. With a robust lineup of 72 ministers, the reshuffled cabinet retains several familiar faces while welcoming new members from various NDA allies, ensuring both stability and fresh perspectives as the government navigates through its third term. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the new cabinet, its composition, and the key portfolios.
Key Highlights of Modi Cabinet 3.0
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has maintained continuity in his administration by retaining the key ministers in the same portfolios, ensuring a seamless transition and continued focus on critical areas:
- Amit Shah continues to hold the crucial Home Ministry.
- Rajnath Singh remains at the helm of the Defence Ministry.
- Nirmala Sitharaman stays as the Finance Minister, continuing her stewardship over India’s economy.
- S. Jaishankar retains his position as the Minister of External Affairs.
Significant Portfolio Changes
While the major portfolios have seen continuity, there have been notable changes and new inductions aimed at strengthening the alliance with NDA partners and bringing fresh energy to the cabinet:
- Aviation Ministry: TDP’s Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu has taken over from Jyotiraditya Scindia, marking a significant shift and highlighting the importance of regional representation.
- Health Ministry: JP Nadda, who was part of Modi 1.0, makes a return to the cabinet as the Health Minister, tasked with steering the nation’s health policies.
- Agriculture and Panchayati Raj: Shivraj Singh Chouhan, a seasoned leader and five-time MP from Vidisha, has been entrusted with these portfolios, emphasizing the government’s focus on rural development and agricultural growth.
New Faces in Modi Cabinet 3.0
The new cabinet has also seen the induction of several first-time ministers, primarily from the BJP’s allies, reflecting the inclusive nature of the NDA coalition and the government’s commitment to a broad-based representation:
- Shivraj Singh Chouhan: Former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, now handling Agriculture and Panchayati Raj.
- Manohar Lal Khattar: Former Haryana Chief Minister, representing Karnal.
- HD Kumaraswamy: Veteran politician from Mandya, Karnataka, joining the central cabinet for the first time.
- Chirag Paswan: LJP leader and son of the late Ram Vilas Paswan, now representing Hajipur, Bihar.
- Ram Nath Thakur: JDU leader and son of former Bihar Chief Minister Karpoori Thakur, influential among the most backward classes.
- Jayant Chaudhary: Chief of RLD, bringing representation from western Uttar Pradesh.
Strategic Alliance Reinforcements
The inclusion of the leaders from the key NDA allies underscores the strategic alliances formed ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The new ministers from the TDP, JDU, LJP, Shiv Sena, and RLD signify a strong coalition aimed at the achieving broader regional representation and addressing specific local issues effectively:
- Rammohan Naidu and Chandrasekhar Pemmasani (TDP)
- Lalan Singh and Ram Nath Thakur (JDU)
- Jayant Chaudhary (RLD)
- Chirag Paswan (LJP)
- HD Kumaraswamy
Aiming for Inclusive Governance
The Modi 3.0 Cabinet’s composition reflects a blend of experienced leaders and the dynamic new entrants, ensuring both the stability and innovation in governance. The inclusion of seasoned politicians like Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, and S. Jaishankar alongside first-time ministers represents a balanced approach to addressing the multifaceted challenges facing the nation.
Conclusion
As Modi Cabinet 3.0 embarks on its journey, the blend of continuity and change, coupled with the strategic inclusion of NDA allies, sets a strong foundation for the government’s third term. With key portfolios retained by experienced leaders and the fresh perspectives brought in by new ministers, the Modi administration is poised to navigate the complexities of governance, focusing on economic growth, national security, and inclusive development.
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