New Delhi: There is all likelihood of a Cabinet reshuffle within the next 24 hours. Congress President Soina Gandhi met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at his residence 7 Race Course Road in New Delhi to decide on the Cabinet. Her political secretary Ahmed Patel was also present at the meeting.
Singh has already met Sonia five times in the last one week and also met President Pratibha Patil on Monday.
Speculation is rife over new inductees and those who might be shown the door.
Telecom Ministry would remain with Congress. Sources say that Sharad Pawar can quit Food and Consumer Affairs Ministry. TR Baalu or TKS Elangovan may get a Cabinet berth after A Raja's exit from Telecom Ministry. Salman Khursheed could also be inducted in the Cabinet.
Vacancies created by the Prithviraj Chavan and Shashi Tharoor are likely to be filled up. Minister of State for External Affairs is to be appointed with Jyothiraditya Scindhia being the frontrunner for the post. Trinamool Congress is also likely to get another Minister of State.
Union Minister for Rural Development CP Joshi and Union Minister of Steel Veerbhadra Singh can be dropped from the Cabinet due to non-performance.
It remains to be seen if Praful Patel's demand for elevation to a Cabinet rank would be accepted.
However, major portfolios like Finance, Home, Defence and External Affairs may not be disturbed.
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