Modi’s Cabinet expansion: Manohar Parrikar tipped as Defence Minister, inclusion of 10 ministers likely

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to expand his Cabinet, five months after BJP’s historic victory in the general elections held in May. In May, 45 MPs, including seven women were sworn in as ministers after his party came to power. Earlier, in the day Modi met President Pranab Mukherjee to discuss the expansion.

Speculation is rife that Modi wants the Cabinet expansion before he begins his three-nation tour, including the Asean summit in Myanmar and the G-20 summit in Australia next week.

More than six ministers in his Cabinet are juggling with more than one portfolio, including Arun Jaitley who has often faced criticism for holding two crucial ministries, defence and finance.

Speculation is rife that Modi may include 10 new ministers in his Cabinet.

Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar may take over as defence minister and Jayant Sinha, Hazaribagh MP and son of former Union minister Yashwant Sinha, could be made MoS finance.

Earlier, Parrikar met Modi and BJP president Amit Shah on Wednesday.

After meeting Mr Modi, the Goa CM said: “I have not discussed nor has he discussed anything about that. So as of now, the issue is dead. The news is dead.”

Asked if he would continue as chief minister, he said: ‘Obviously.’ Speculation is rife that the expansion may take place by November 9-10.

He (PM) did not say anything about that (on being Union Minister) to me, you should ask him: Goa CM Manohar Parrikar pic.twitter.com/rAwz1UtcDE

— ANI (@ANI_news) November 5, 2014