Reshuffle, expansion of Union Cabinet likely after Prez poll

With Pranab Mukherjee set to become President and the resignation of Virbhadra Singh from the Union Cabinet in the wake of a controversial CD relating to alleged graft, the Prime Minister is expected to make some changes in his team.

While the Prime Minister had taken charge of the Finance Ministry follwing Mukherjee's resignation last month, it remains to be seen whether he hands over the portfolio to a senior minister.

Chidambaram has been making statements on the state of the economy over the past few days. Chidambaram was the Finance Minister before being moved to the Home Ministry in the aftermath of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack.

The post of the Leader of the Lok Sabha also falls vacant once Mukherjee moves to the Rashtrapati Bhawan and the names of Home Minister P Chidambaram, Power Minister Sushilkumar Shinde, Urban Development Minister Kamal Nath and Oil Minister S Jaipal Reddy are being mentioned.

Besides, the Prime Minister has to appoint Mukherjee's successor in key cabinet committees on Security, Economic Affairs and Political Affairs.

The Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs, which was headed by Mukherjee, also needs to be re-constitued.

There is speculation that the Prime Minister may utilise the occasion to bring in young blood in the council of ministers. (more)