The new Union Council of Ministers and portfolio distribution represent Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s assertion of authority as leader of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), who has won a third term. Although the BJP could not achieve an absolute majority in the Lok Sabha, the Council represents continuity from the previous two administrations. In the third term of the NDA, partners are vital, but they have political motives to stay aligned with the BJP, unlike the previous two terms.
Mr. Modi’s third term is unlikely to bring significant policy changes, given all important Ministers in the Cabinet Committee on Security and those in charge of infrastructure portfolios remain in place, regardless of coalition. The TDP, JD(U), JD(S), Shiv Sena (headed by Eknath Shinde), NCP (dominated by Ajit Pawar), and LJP (led by Chirag Paswan) have all acknowledged the truth, notwithstanding some internal disagreements. The Council’s makeup aligns with the BJP’s objective of increasing acceptability among Hindu populations across the country, including Christians and Sikhs, but excludes Muslims.
Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah, Nirmala Sitharaman, and S. Jaishankar are still serving as Ministers of Defence, Home Affairs, Finance, and External Affairs. Mr. Modi has confidence in their work, but political considerations may also be in play for Mr. Singh and Mr. Shah in particular. In addition to leading India’s defence efforts, Mr. Singh is expected to use his diplomatic abilities to address difficult topics like the military’s Agnipath recruitment drive. During his previous term, Mr. Jaishankar successfully balanced India’s conventional and rising interests.
While strengthening ties with the US, he has maintained India’s strategic autonomy and added a Hindutva element. Ms. Sitharaman led the economy through the COVID-19 pandemic and remains a strong advocate for its future potential. However, she has struggled to effectively manage Centre-State relations. Mr. Shah’s agenda for his new term includes completing the Census, implementing new criminal regulations, and improving Centre-State relations, among other politically difficult matters. Stability is beneficial to Ministers in their challenging role. They will also be expected to demonstrate wisdom.
ABHISHEK VERMA
