Hard Working Party Loyalists and Young Generation On Focus As Talks Of Reshuffle Gather Momentum

Bhubaneswar: The mainstream media in Odisha is today agog with reports of possible reshuffle in Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s ministry. While there have not been any changes in the ministry since the beginning of the fifth term of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, there are ample indications that he may go for a change in various ministries by early next month. Before also there were talks of a reshuffle just after the first wave of the Corona Pandemic in 2021 and after the by-elections to Balasore, Tirtole and Pipili assembly constituencies, but there were no changes. But this time, it seems that the change is rightly on cards and Naveen has made up his mind to bring in some new faces.

One of the most important aspect with regard to the reshuffle talks is both the rural and urban polls have been completed and the Biju Janata Dal has come out more stronger than ever in the elections. The Chief Minister may reward the party men who were instrumental in bringing such a huge victory for the party. Another point that needs to be pondered also is that the thrust of the government is now young generation and women. As part of this strategy, Naveen may also give a chance to more young leaders in the ministry including women. Another important aspect of the reshuffle may be action against those ministers who have faced the people’s ire and those whose performance has been below par.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has already asked his ministers to submit their report cards as early as possible regarding the performance of their departments. This indicates that the performance in the last three years will be an important parameter for the ministers to be able to retain a ministry. The performance will also be judged on the basis of the implementation of the 5T Initiatives in their respective departments.

There have been some issues in the last three years wherein the names of some ministers have cropped up and there were allegations of their involvement or association in them. This may lead to their removal from the ministry.

While there are rumours that Naveen may drop six to seven ministers and change the portfolios of many more, seniors may now get important task of party affairs. The young faces which have helped the BJD win the recent elections are most likely to be rewarded with ministry posts and there may also be more thrust on women.

While there are widespread talks of ministry reshuffle, it might just be a hoax. Naveen does what he wants at the right time and nobody can calculate his moves. He may induct new faces, he may drop known faces, he may not go for a reshuffle, and he may just change the portfolios. As the leader of the Biju Janata Dal, it is his prerogative to decide the right place for the party workers. There can never be any speculation about his moves and his past decisions have shown all of us that he takes the final call and they may surprise many.