(Image source from: Rajnath Jaitley Amit Shah likely faces of Modis government})
The BJP prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi will today stake his claim to form the next government. However, the BJP has not made public as to who will be part of Narendra Modi's cabinet as yet.
Modi will first attend a meeting with his NDA allies, where he would be elected leader of the coalition. After that Modi is scheduled to meet President Pranab Mukherjee to stake his claim formally at around 11.30 am.
The Gujarat chief minister is known to trust only a small group of people to achieve his goals. As Modi will soon take charge of the country's administration, it's expected that he would rely on old confidantes and a few new ones as he steps into the power corridors of Delhi. Here are some power players who are likely to be in Modi's government.
Likely faces in Modi's government
Rajnath Singh
BJP president Rajnath Singh is most likely to be part of Modi's cabinet. He stood like a rock, supporting Narendra Modi even before his name figured as the party's prime ministerial candidate. Singh publicly supported Modi's candidature as BJP's prime minister designate, even when senior leaders like LK Advani opposed the party's decision. Rajnath Singh is expected to get the Home Minister portfolio in the next government.
Arun Jaitley
Senior BJP leader Arun Jaitley is known to be close to Narendra Modi. He has been a supporter of Modi even before he entered into national politics. He was a prominent voice of the BJP during the entire election campaign, and attacked Congress leaders at every opportunity. Though he unsuccessully contested from the Amritsar Lok Sabha constituency, he is likely to be offered a cabinet berth. Hints of Jaitley heading the finance ministry has come from the BJP allies.
Amit Shah
Amit Shah's associated with Narendra Modi goes back to the days when both were active members of the RSS. Shah is Modi's close political aide and his confidante. He will be the most important person in NDA regime, but is likely to stay outside the Modi's government. According to speculations, Shah may be part of the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), at the same time there are rumours envisaging a wide range of activities – making BJP stronger across states to heading the cricketing body BCCI. Whatever he does, Shah will be Modi's closest political aide, his problem shooter.
Nitin Gadkari
Nitin Gadkari, the former president of BJP, has been the greatest supporter of Narendra Modi. He also played an important role in the BJP's performance in this election. Gadkari's significance in the next government cannot be underestimated. He serves a vital link between the BJP and the RSS, and would be crutial in case of internal conflicts in the party. Gadkari is expected to head a ministry like urban development.
K Kailashnathan
K Kailashnathan is the chief principal secretary in the Gujarat government. Modi's trust in him can assessed by the fact that the post of chief principal secretary was created for him specially when he retired. Kailashnathan is the architect of Vibrant Gujarat Global Investor Summit, Modi's flagship event. In fact, the PM designate even relies on this bureaucrat for political insights. Modi's government is expected to include this retired IAS officer, who will pull all strings behind the scenes inorder to implement policies.
Ajit Doval
Former director of Intelligence Bureau, Ajit Doval is described as one of finest intelligence professionals in India. Doval is rumoured to be the National Security advisor in Modi's government.
Bharat Lal
Bharat Lal, an Indian Forest Service official, is currently serving as Gujarat's resident commissioner in Delhi. He is another bureaucrat who is expected to occupy an important position. According to reports, Lal played an vital role in organising crucial meetings for Modi in Delhi, and also co-ordinated with the press. He is likely to be present in the PMO in the next government.
Vasundhara Raje, Raman Singh
The chief ministers of Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh are two BJP leaders who enjoy Modi's confidence. They are not likely to leave their states but will be part of Modi's coterie. Vasundhara Raje and Raman Singh are expected to play an important role in the next government.
(Picture Source: cloudfront.net)
(AW: Pratima Tigga)
