The resignation of Defence Minister Manohar Parikkar to take oath as Goa Chief Minister has set off speculation on who could be his successor in that Ministry and whether this would lead to a domino effect of changes in the Union Cabinet.
Top sources in the government say that it’s quite possible that there will be changes in the Cabinet, and that at least one Chief Minister of a BJP ruled State will be moved to Delhi. A senior general secretary from the central team of the BJP may be sent as a replacement Chief Minister there.
“It may be that for some time at least the Defence portfolio may be handed over as an additional charge to a current minister, possibly Finance Minister Arun Jaitley. But once the Parliament session is done [the second part of the Budget Session is underway] a larger Cabinet reshuffle is possible,” said a source.
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“With the victory in Uttar Pradesh, the Prime Minister’s grip over both the party and the government is unassailable and we don’t anticipate any kind of protest even if powerful chief ministers are called to Delhi,” said a senior office-bearer of the BJP privy to the developments.