Narendra Damodardas Modi will take oath as India’s Prime Minister for a second term on Thursday, May 30, 2019.
The massive mandate given by the people of India adds additional responsibility to him and his new government to ensure he meets their high expectations. The success over the next five years will depend on the team he chooses to compose his Cabinet and the Council of Ministers.
We have put together what we believe could be a Dream Cabinet for Modi 2.0. It’s a wish list similar to how we build a dream World XI in cricket. There will be discussion, debate, and dissent over our choices, but this is your forum, and we welcome your opinion on what could be a better team. Here we go.
How we chose our Dream Team
– Faces from Modi 1.0 we wish to see in Modi 2.0 Cabinet.
– Government reflects people’s choices, and so, we believe those MPs who won by over 5 lakh votes must find representation in the Cabinet or Council of Ministers.
– Possible portfolio allocations and the accompanying reasons for selecting the minister.
Cabinet Ministers in Modi 1.0 we would like to see again in our Dream Team
Amit Shah
Portfolio: Home
He was not part of the Cabinet in Modi 1.0 but is needed in 2.0. National security and Law & Order are extremely important portfolios, requiring close coordination with the PM, PMO, and Security agencies. Ajit Doval must continue as NSA and work closely with Amit Shah. Police reforms are critical in Modi 2.0 and will need Amit Shah’s intervention to push through.
Piyush Goyal
Portfolio: Finance
With Arun Jaitley’s health holding him back, Piyush Goyal seems a natural choice to replace him. He has experience in finance and excellent relations with the corporate industry, which will help make his task easier.
Nirmala Sitharaman
Portfolio: Defence
Business continuity is essential for India’s defence planning, and Nirmala Sitharaman has settled well into the ministry. She must continue to pursue long term planning to enable ‘Made-in-India’ initiatives in building an efficient defence-industrial ecosystem.
Rajnath Singh
Portfolio: Agriculture
Agriculture modernization and productivity, along with social welfare programs, is an immediate priority for the new government. Rajnath Singh’s administrative experience and close coordination with PMO, Finance, and Fertilizer ministries will be critical.
Nitin Gadkari
Portfolio: Road Transport, Highways, Shipping
Business continuity and long term planning are critical for developing infrastructure. Nitin Gadkari has done an excellent job and must retain the ministry.
Suresh Prabhu
Portfolio: Railways
In his last stint as Railways minister, there was a spate of accidents under his watch and he had to move out. While serving as Railways minister, he showed excellent qualities as a clear-headed projects person with a vision. He should once again get the Rail ministry.
Ravi Shankar Prasad
Portfolio: Law and Justice
Judicial reforms are critical for India’s long term growth and stability and will need a strong person to push through various legislations. RS Prasad has the knowledge and political experience to push the much-needed reforms.
Dharmendra Pradhan
Portfolio: Commerce and Industry
Creation of jobs is a top priority. It also requires to fast track investment in the private sector and a greater push for disinvestment of public sector enterprises. He is the man for it.
VK Singh
Portfolio: Civil Aviation
General VK Singh did a good job as MOS External Affairs. His administrative and international experience is needed to rejuvenate this industry.
Smriti Irani
Portfolio: External Affairs
She is articulate, vocal, and good at presenting her case. She will be the best candidate to replace Sushma Swaraj.
Kiren Rijiju
Portfolio: Human Resource Development
A very critical ministry to set up the platform for future growth of human capital in India. A lawyer, he is amiable, experienced, and possesses good communication skills, all of which makes him suitable for the job.
Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore
Portfolio: Drinking Water and Sanitation
This ministry is the driving force for several social welfare initiatives of the PM, which requires focus, continuity, and greater thrust. He brings administrative experience and youthful energy to the ministry.
Prakash Javadekar
Portfolio: Petroleum and Natural Gas
India’s energy dependency is subject to long term planning and investment and requires a close interface between PMO and Finance. He is best suited for this critical ministry.
Dr Mahesh Sharma
Portfolio: Health and Family Welfare
Ayushman Bharat initiative by the PM is a game changer with the potential to raise health and medical care standards in the country. As a doctor, he is best suited to drive this ministry.
New young faces we wish to have as Ministers:
Chirag Paswan
Portfolio: Coal
Important portfolio, with Bihar being an important part of the coal belt. He is young and will bring energy into this crucial ministry.
Gautam Gambhir
Portfolio: Sports & Youth Affairs
He is a natural choice to take over from Rajyavardhan Rathore.
Pritam Munde
Portfolio: Textiles
She won the maximum votes in 2014 (a record margin) and repeated it in 2019. She earns her place in the Cabinet.
RK Chahar
Portfolio: Chemicals and Fertilizers
He received the second highest votes after Pritam Munde in 2019 and deserves a place in the Cabinet.
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