Will UP and Punjab Dominate in Modi Cabinet?

Preparations for a Cabinet reshuffle and expansion are in full swing ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament. The focus is likely to be on states with upcoming assembly elections — Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Goa and Manipur.

Several ministerial posts are vacant. Some ministers like Pankaj Chaudhary and Harsh Malhotra may make way due to new state party responsibilities. The expansion aims to strengthen political equations in key states by giving representation to new faces, including from OBC and Dalit communities in UP and more representation from Punjab.