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Modi 3.0: A refresh rather than a reboot

Modi 3.0 aims to blend continuity with strategic adjustments, ensuring experienced leadership while addressing emerging challenges and expectations.

By Shereen Bhan  June 11, 2024, 9:38:35 PM IST (Published)
3 Min Read
As the NDA 3 government takes charge, Prime Minister Modi has signalled continuity in his administration by retaining key party colleagues in critical ministries. This move suggests a refresh rather than a reboot, emphasising stability and experience.


Amit Shah assumed his duties at the Home Ministry, continuing his role while also overseeing the Ministry of Cooperation. S. Jaishankar, retaining his position as External Affairs Minister, took charge as well. Notably, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, after a lengthy tenure as Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister, commenced his new role as Union Agriculture Minister. Manoharlal Khattar, the former Chief Minister of Haryana, assumed responsibilities at the Power Ministry and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. Hardeep Singh Puri retained his position in the Petroleum Ministry.

BJP President JP Nadda started his new tenure in the Health Ministry, marking his first day in this critical role. Ashwini Vaishnaw, who continues to manage the Railways and IT ministries, took on additional responsibilities for Information and Broadcasting.

Ministers from BJP's alliance partners also took charge, with Chirag Paswan appointed as India's Food Processing Minister, a role once held by his late father, Ramvilas Paswan. Rajiv Ranjan Singh of the JDU took over the Panchayati Raj Ministry, and Jitan Ram Manjhi became the new MSME Minister.

This configuration underscores both continuity and a strategic refresh. Many key ministers remain in their roles, ensuring stability in crucial departments such as home, finance, and commerce.

However, for Jyotiraditya Scindia, there is a shift. The young TDP minister has taken over civil aviation from Scindia, who now oversees telecom, reducing Ashwini Vaishnaw's portfolio load. Vaishnaw still manages significant ministries, including railways and IT-ITES, with the added responsibility of Information and Broadcasting.

As the budget approaches, expected between July 7th and 17th, speculation arises about potential changes. A CLSA note suggests the government might consider increasing the farm instalment from Rs 6,000 to Rs 8,000, which was a major expectation ahead of the elections. This adjustment could be feasible due to the substantial RBI dividend exceeding budget estimates, providing a financial cushion.

Beyond the budget, crucial issues like GST rate rationalisation are anticipated. The GST council, which hasn't convened for a considerable time, is expected to address these matters under the finance minister's leadership. The former Karnataka chief minister's committee provided recommendations on rate rationalisation, emphasising the need for ease of business and compliance.

Overall, Modi 3.0 aims to blend continuity with strategic adjustments, ensuring experienced leadership while addressing emerging challenges and expectations.