By Kanhaiya Lodhi
Bhopal: Significant changes are brewing in the Madhya Pradesh state government as the BJP organization reportedly considers a major cabinet overhaul to rehabilitate the administration’s public image ahead of its two-year anniversary in December.
According to internal sources, the cabinet shuffle—expected after the Bihar assembly elections—could involve removing some ministers based on poor performance or ongoing controversies. Crucially, high-profile but politically powerful ministers whose removal is impractical are likely to face major portfolio changes to diminish their influence.
The need for a reset stems partly from an unfavorable RSS report citing growing grassroots discontent, particularly in the Malwa region. Large-scale public opposition to projects like the Indore-Ujjain Green Field corridor and land acquisition for the Ujjain Simhastha has highlighted a severe “lack of coordination” between the government and the organizational wing, damaging the government’s perception.
Controversies driving the change
Several key ministers are under scrutiny:
Deputy CM Rajendra Shukla: He is facing relentless calls for resignation from the opposition over the Chhindwara cough syrup tragedy, where initial attempts by the Health Department (which he oversees) to downplay the 21 child deaths fueled public anger. While a resignation is unlikely, a downgrade of his portfolio is anticipated.
Tribal Affairs Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah: His standing is precarious due to offensive remarks made about an Indian Army Colonel during the “Operation Sindoor” initiative. The matter, which drew censure from the Supreme Court and party high command, has already seen him distanced from key public events, signaling central leadership’s displeasure.
Cooperation Minister Vishwas Sarang: He recently came under fire for alleged political patronage to the “Sharif Machhli” family during the recent crackdown on a high-profile ‘Love Jihad’ and encroachment case in Bhopal. Although an official resignation is off the table, a reduction of his ministerial authority is expected.
The review also includes other cabinet members who have frequently been embroiled in controversy, such as Ministers Narendra Shivaji Patel, Jagdish Deora, Sampatiya Uikey, Govind Singh Rajput, and Gautam Tetwal. The reshuffle is intended to inject new faces and competence, ensuring the administration is better equipped to handle public issues and mend its relationship with party workers.
