India’s Modi wants to revamp cabinet, but can’t find the people

After a drubbing in a state poll in November, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants to overhaul his cabinet to weed out underperformers and improve his government’s image. Problem is, several sources said, he can’t find the right replacements. As New Delhi buzzes with speculation about changes in several ministries, senior members of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and a close aide to Modi said some changes could come next year but the talent pool was too shallow to engineer a major revamp.

The challenge is to identify the right candidates who can deliver fast-paced reforms and policies in their work sphere.

Aide to the Prime Minister

Articulate and suave, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has been considered for the defence portfolio, another high-profile role that is crucial to Modi’s geopolitical ambitions and plans to boost Indian industry. But there was no one to take Jaitley’s place in finance, the sources said. A spokesman for Modi declined to comment. Nearly two years after he swept to power on a promise of jobs and growth, the shine is coming off - reforms to revive investment have withered and the economy is stuttering.

Compared to the Congress, we have a smaller talent pool and less exposure, but it’s only a matter of time that we expand our base.

BJP vice president Vinay Sahasrabuddhe

Politics Narendra Modi