Archive · 25 Aug 2026
Modi 3.0 Cabinet Reshuffle May Open 12 Berths
India may soon change some of its central government ministers.
The Council of Ministers has 69 members, but the Constitution allows up to 81.
This means there are 12 open positions.
Some ministers may leave because they received important jobs in the Bharatiya Janata Party or because their Parliament terms are ending.
New ministers could be chosen from alliance parties and from states with upcoming elections.
The government may also choose more young people and women.
Some ministers currently manage several departments, so their work could be divided.
The Bharatiya Janata Party has not confirmed the reported plans.
The Union Council of Ministers has 69 members, leaving 12 of the 81 permitted positions vacant.
Ministers who received BJP organisational roles or whose Rajya Sabha terms are ending could make way for replacements.
The reshuffle may prioritize younger leaders, women, allies, and states facing upcoming elections.
Possible additions include representatives from Maharashtra, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, and other states.
The government may also redistribute responsibilities because 14 ministers currently hold multiple portfolios.
- Who
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Union Council of Ministers and the Bharatiya Janata Party leadership are involved; alliance parties and prospective ministers may also be affected.
- What
- A possible reshuffle of the Union Council of Ministers is being considered, with 12 positions currently vacant.
- When
- The speculation was reported on Tuesday; some Rajya Sabha terms are due to end in November, and elections are scheduled in several states before 2029.
- Where
- The changes would affect India's Union government, with possible representation from states including Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, Gujarat, Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and West Bengal.
- Why
- The reported aims include preparing for the 2029 Lok Sabha election and state polls, accommodating allies and younger leaders, applying the party's one-person-one-role approach, and reducing ministers' workloads.
- Current council size
- 69 members, including the Prime Minister
- Constitutional maximum
- 81 members under Article 75(1A)
- Vacant positions
- 12 berths
- Ministers with multiple portfolios
- 14 ministers currently hold more than one portfolio
- Oldest minister mentioned
- Jitan Ram Manjhi, 81, from HAM
- Youngest minister mentioned
- K. Ram Mohan Naidu, 38, from the TDP
- Upcoming Rajya Sabha deadlines
- Hardeep Singh Puri and B. L. Verma are due to complete their current terms in November