Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mega Cabinet reshuffle, which includes his decision to move out Smriti Irani to a completely different portfolio, is not only a bold step but also sends out a strong message to all his Ministers that none can take him for granted (“Javadekar elevated, gets HRD as Smriti moved out”, July 6). The Minister unfortunately became unpopular over time and appears to have ruffled feathers. The induction of 19 new Ministers sends out positive signals that Mr. Modi is for development ahead of crucial State polls. He also has done right in leaving out rabble-rousers.
K.R. Srinivasan,
Secunderabad
Shifting Ms. Irani out is not a “demotion” but a clever step to give her a larger role in Uttar Pradesh. She could play a greater and effective role in Uttar Pradesh and be seen as the new face of the BJP. She has proved herself to be an aggressive campaigner and a leader and will be tough competition for the Congress’s Priyanka Gandhi if and when she steps into the electoral fray. An assignment with the Textiles Ministry will ensure that she can spend more time bearing a heavier political workload.
S. Madhuri,
Secunderabad, Telangana
It is unfortunate that the government has completely ignored tribal affairs. Ignoring tribal issues will only allow issues like Naxalism to continue to fester. It will prove a hindrance in achieving the constitutional goal of equality.
Prabhu Datta Himansu Mishra,
Balangir, Odisha
Why did it take two years for Mr. Modi to realise that Ms. Irani was not the right choice for the HRD Ministry? Her inflexibility and a passion to push through a saffron agenda only ended up upsetting educationists and students. And lastly, by confining the expansion to the BJP and smaller allies like the RPI and the Apna Dal, Mr. Modi will only end up antagonising his major allies such as the Shiv Sena, the Telugu Desam Party and the Akali Dal.
Aravind Nair,
Bengaluru
