In an effort to improve the electoral prospects of the governing United Progressive Alliance, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh of India inducted 22 new members into his predominantly elderly cabinet on Sunday.
The Congress Party-led coalition government is facing criticism because of multiple corruption charges, a slowing economy, rising public agitation and pending anti-corruption legislation. In recent months the government took steps to streamline the economy and attract foreign investment.
The cabinet reshuffle Sunday is likely to be the biggest push for an image makeover before the 2014 national elections. The new appointees include 7 ministers of cabinet rank, 2 junior ministers with independent portfolios and 13 junior ministers. (Read the full list here, under “Press Comminique,†October 28.) Seven long-time cabinet appointees retired ahead of the shuffle, including external affairs minister S.M. Krishna, 80.
The Co ngress Party seems to be aiming for political balance in states where their political prospects are low, including West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh. Out of 22, 17 are new inductees and 5 ministers have been promoted to cabinet status.
Yet for all the spectacle, the new-look government was also notable for who was not included: Rahul Gandhi.
For days, Indian analysts have speculated about whether Mr. Gandhi would finally join the government. Instead, Mr. Gandhi, considered the heir to the Congress Party leadership, has apparently decided, for the moment, to continue focusing on party work, rather than jumping into governing.
CNN-IBN, a private news channel quoted Mr. Singh, after the oath ceremony, saying “I always wanted to Rahul to be in the cabinet, but he wants to strengthen the party. This is hopefully the last cabinet reshuffle.â€
The new lineup represents an attempt by Mr. Singh and the Congress Party President, Sonia Gandhi, to build some posi tive momentum for what remains of the decidedly bumpy term of the current governing coalition. Most analysts say that Congress is staring at significant losses unless it can somehow show tangible progress in the coming months.
Among the change of portfolios, the new foreign minister is Salman Khursheed; he was the law minister till recently. Several young and junior ministers were also given new independent portfolios, including Jyotirditya Madhavrao Sciendia to the power ministry, Sachin Pilot to corporate affairs and Jitender Singh to youth affairs and sports.
It is expected that the Congress party will make some changes among party leadership ranks soon.
