Reshuffle or cabinet report card? Ministers’ phones kept out at Pragati Maidan

| Updated: 03 July, 2023 8:32 pm IST

PM Narendra Modi addressing his Council of Ministers

NEW DELHI: Speculations were abuzz as Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting of his Council of Ministers at the newly-built convention centre in Pragati Maidan.

While the gathering marks the second meeting of the Union Council of Ministers, following a similar session held in January prior to the Union Budget presentation, there is tremendous buzz around the meeting as it comes a day after the political upheaval in Maharashtra.

While the agenda for the meeting has not been officially announced, there are several speculations surrounding its purpose. Such was the secrecy around the meeting that mobile phones were not allowed inside the meeting hall, sources told The New Indian. The meeting is likely to go till 10 pm.

While the agenda for the meeting has not been officially announced, there are several speculations surrounding its purpose

“Works done by every department have been checked. Implementation and stocktaking of central government schemes are going on,” sources said.

“While the government is taking stock of the situation keeping in mind the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, ministers are apprising PM Modi of the work done by their respective ministries,” sources added.

Along with the Council of Ministers, bureaucrats were also called on to attend the meeting

Earlier, sources indicated that bureaucrats, including secretaries, had been called to attend the meeting, adding an element of uncertainty to its proceedings.

The timing of this meeting is also significant, as it comes amid news of an impending Cabinet reshuffle within the government. This comes after rumour mills are abuzz with the possibility of accommodating some of Ajit Pawar’s supporters in the central cabinet following their decision to defy Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) boss Sharad Pawar and join the Shiv Sena-Bharatiya Janata Party Maharashtra government on Sunday.

PM Narendra Modi took stock of government’s schemes

One speculation gaining traction is that PM Modi may urge his ministers to prepare for the upcoming elections, hinting at the possibility of early Lok Sabha polls. This indication suggests that the meeting might involve discussions on election strategies and campaigning.

The nature of the meeting, whether it will solely involve presentations or if resignations will be announced, remains a point of interest.