Congress in Hibernation

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May 31, 2019

After receiving a severe drubbing in the recently concluded Lok Sabha polls, the Congress will not be sending its spokespersons on TV channels for debates for a month. The Congress, which only managed to win 52 seats, wants to steer clear of TV debates for one month. The party, which had fought the Lok Sabha polls on unemployment and Rafale deal, has failed to challenge the BJP as the saffron party won the election by winning 303 seats. Congress leaders think that it is not the right time to attack the Modi government by raking up the same issues. By doing so, Congress is going into the damage control mode by asking its spokespersons to refrain from participating in TV debates.

Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala tweeted, “@INCIndia has decided to not send spokespersons on television debates for a month. All media channels/editors are requested to not place Congress representatives on their shows.”

Samajwadi Party leader Abu Azmi said, “TV anchors present false information and they support BJP. It seems that these anchors are spokespersons of BJP. They bring forward those matters which can create hostility between two communities. When Muslims don’t recite Vande Mataram a wrong message is sent towards Hindus and they think that the former is not patriotic towards the nation. However, Muslims only bow before Allah. According to me, the debate should happen and can happen if the show is hosted by journalists like Ravish Kumar, Vinod Dua, and Punya Prasun Bajpai.”

Congress has always been known to attack the BJP through television and social media. The issues raised by the party against BJP have failed to strike a chord with the voters. The decision to not send spokespersons for TV debate comes at a time when Congress is facing leadership issues. Congress president Rahul Gandhi had taken responsibility for the party’s failure in the general elections and had offered to step down. However, the party leaders have not accepted his resignation and have urged him to continue leading the party. These leaders, sources said, maintained that the Congress cannot afford to have someone new at the helm to revive the outfit at this juncture and that responsibility for the defeat is collective and not individual. Rahul, nonetheless, is adamant on his stand and has given the party one month to find his successor.

Former BJP Rajasthan president Arun Chaturvedi said, “It is not a right step taken by the Congress as they are shunning the truth. The party has been speaking lies and they have taken this decision to save their face. They are not in a position to face questions from the media. Debates should happen in a democracy.”

After the Lok Sabha poll defeat confusion is prevailing in the party and there is no clarity on official party position on a sensitive internal issue. Moreover, AICC feels that spokespersons should not appear on TV debates at a time when they are not in a position to defend or articulate party line with clarity. The leadership also doesn’t want these spokespersons ending up giving ideas and suggestions to senior leadership through talk shows.

NCP IT cell National President Bindu Bhosale said, “It may be their internal decision as a reshuffling of the outfit might be happening. Therefore, the party might have restricted spokespersons from participating in TV debates.”

Congress is currently facing dissension in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Karnataka, three of the only five states where it runs a government. In Madhya where the Congress lost 28 out of 29 seats to the BJP, the Kamal Nath government has a thin majority and is at the mercy of two legislators of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP). The Congress had fielded candidates against BSP in Uttar Pradesh for the Lok Sabha polls and now BSP chief Mayawati has no obligation to continue supporting the Congress government in MP.

Congress spokesperson Hemlata Patil said, “The All India Congress Committee (AICC) has taken this decision. It is a right step taken by the party. Some media is biased and hold discussions. Thus, if no spokesperson participates in TV debate for one month a message can be sent to media that no discussion is possible without an opposition party. They will review the decision after one month. On the other hand, in a democracy, we should interact with the people.”

Rahul Gandhi had raised objections against Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot seeking the Lok Sabha ticket for his son Vaibhav Gehlot. However, Vaibhav contested election from Jodhpur and lost. Rahul is reported to have reacted very strongly to this. The internal crises within Karnataka government have been rampant ever since the Congress and Janata Dal (S) stopped the BJP juggernaut in the assembly polls. Two Congress legislators had met former Karnataka chief minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader S.M. Krishna setting off alarm bells for the H.D. Kumaraswamy-led coalition government which is trying to keep its alliance intact after differences cropped due to poor performance in the Lok Sabha polls.

Congress lacks answer to its massive defeat

By

Vaidehi Taman

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May 31, 2019

Prime Minister Narendra Modi sworn in on Thursday, all the liberals and the leftist will have to cry for another five years. Let Prakash Raj act in films and get a good name. Let Swara Bhaskar get back to her acting and Kanhaiya Kumar to his academics; above all, political party like Aam Aadmi Party seriously needs to do a lot of homework to come back to power in forthcoming elections. Politics is the most complicated subject and it is not understood by the most in recent times. So, many experienced politicians are washed-out in the recent floods. People of India have said a big NO to the age-old Congress party. Modi has no excuse now not to root out corruption including in the states. This is his real chance to go down in history as the true maker of a modern, lawful, and developed India. Will he use it fully? As for Tamil Nadu, expect things to get worse with this double whammy – a corrupt party in power and zero support from the Center that will be in the hands of a party with a super majority that Tamil Nadu shunned at its own peril. Though unlikely, let us hope that Stalin redeems the name of his party with an honest administration that is fewer casteists, too. Right now, BJP has no strong opposition. Congress lacks a strong and promising leader/PM candidate. It had no clear vision/mission/issues for the future. People didn’t want a historically corrupt party back to power.

Calling ‘Chowkidar Chor’ and that too by Congress whose image is on corruption with history of recent 2G scam and many other including Bofors and with leaders on bail in other cases. This has been more damaging since Modi has not been tainted with any scam, or corruption charge. Even in Rafale deal, there has been no hint of corrupt money exchange. No convincing image was created that Rahul could give better governance. If the Hindus were on one side, the minorities were clearly on the other, indicating a deeply polarised verdict. Only 8 per cent of Muslim voters nationally ended up voting for the BJP, the same as last time. Christians and Sikhs too largely kept away from the BJP. Among Christians, 11 per cent voted for the party. Among Sikhs, the number was the same (the Akali Dal, the BJP’s ally, got 20 per cent). This lack of enthusiasm for the BJP among the minority communities is also evident in the party not being able to perform too well in minority-concentrated States like Kerala, Punjab, and Goa. The polarisation of voters on Hindu-Muslim lines seems to have taken place in many States, according to our survey. It was found to be most acute in States where the proportion of Muslims is high, namely, Assam, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Bihar. Not only did the BJP get a massive proportion of Hindu votes in these States, but this share was also much larger than what it received in the 2014 election. Increased Hindu support for the BJP in these States (and elsewhere too) ended up rendering Muslim consolidation behind the Congress and other Opposition parties ineffective again.

The Congress has suffered a crushing defeat in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. In first back-to-back majority in the Lok Sabha polls for a single party in over three decades, the Modi-led BJP won 303 seats out of 542 in the Lok Sabha polls, handing out a crushing defeat to the Congress and many other political opponents. The Congress, which had managed to recover some ground in assembly elections after facing a rout in 2014, has once again failed to reassert itself as a national party. In 2019, the Congress failed to capture the voters’ confidence despite promising several new schemes such as NYAY and an end to the “politics of hate”. The 52-seat Congress tally is in itself embarrassing for the national party, given the fact that it will now not be able to elect a Leader of Opposition. The Congress that once boasted of strong regional leadership is now facing a drought of big names to pull voters, signified by the fact that nine former chief ministers lost on a Congress ticket in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

Sheila Dikshit, a veteran leader, and three-time Delhi chief minister, who was behind organising the Commonwealth Games in the capital, lost to actor-turned-politician Manoj Tiwari from North East Delhi constituency by more than 3 lakh votes. Even Priyanka’s magic failed. Right now the Congress has left with nothing. To recover and hide their defeat, the Congress has announced that they will not be participating in any television debate for one month. The decision may have been taken because of the confusion over Rahul Gandhi’s resignation.

The party also does not want to attack the Modi government after it won a massive mandate. Congress announced that no spokesperson from the party will take part in television debates for a month. Sources say that the Congress is unwilling to participate in television debates, as they have no answer about what is happening with the Congress leadership as party president Rahul Gandhi refuses to take back his resignation. Rahul Gandhi has given a month’s time to the party leadership to find his replacement. While top Congress leaders are visiting Rahul Gandhi almost every day to convince him to withdraw his resignation, he is adamant on going back on his decision. Congress has often accused the media of being “biased” towards the Modi government and this might also be one of the reasons for the party to keep away from debates. Moreover, the Congress veterans too need to realise their responsibility in regaining the strength. Somewhere, they all sabotaged their party and brought it down to all lows. Hope this one-month time many give them some time to breathe and stay out of attacks.

(Any suggestions, comments or dispute with regards to this article send us on feedback@www.afternoonvoice.com)

Modi 2.0’s first step: Enhances scholarships for wards of martyrs

By

Web Team

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May 31, 2019

modi cabinet — Image Courtesy: Twitter.com

PM Narendra Modi won the Lok Sabha elections with game changer Balakot airstrikes in Pakistan as the most prominent reason and he started his second term with the emotional issue of enhancing scholarships forwards of martyrs. The Narendra Modi Cabinet on Friday approved major changes in the Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme under the National Defence Fund. The rates of scholarship have been increased from Rs 2000 per month to Rs 2500 per month for boys and from Rs 2250 per month to Rs 3000 per month for girls. The ambit of the Scholarship Scheme is also extended to the wards of State Police officials who are/were martyred during terror/Naxal attacks. The quota of new scholarships forwards of state police officials will be 500 in a year.

It was the first file signed by PM Modi after assuming charge in his second term as PM. The decision aims to enhance the number of scholarships under the National Defence Fund and to include State Police Personnel in its ambit.

The rates of scholarship have been increased by 25 per cent for boys and 33 per cent for girls. The ambit of the Scholarship Scheme is extended to the wards of State Police officials who were martyred during terror or Naxal attacks.

PM Modi also took to Twitter to inform about the very first decision taken by the Union Cabinet. ”Our Government’s first decision dedicated to those who protect India! Major changes approved in PM’s Scholarship Scheme under the National Defence Fund including enhanced scholarships forwards of police personnel martyred in terror or Maoist attacks,” PM tweeted.

Our Government’s first decision dedicated to those who protect India!

Major changes approved in PM’s Scholarship Scheme under the National Defence Fund including enhanced scholarships for wards of police personnel martyred in terror or Maoist attacks. https://t.co/Vm90BD77hm pic.twitter.com/iXhFNlBCIc

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) 31 May 2019

Is plastic ban working?

By

Suraj Chandran

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May 31, 2019

The state government had imposed a plastic ban in Maharashtra on June 23, 2018. Plastic bags were banned with an intention to curb the usage of plastic in day to day lives. The decision was taken to ban single-use plastic and articles made from thermocal. The fine for the first time and second-time offenders was fixed at 5,000 and Rs 10,000 respectively. The third violation attracts a fine of Rs 25,000 and jail term for three months. Choking of drains during monsoon season was another reason behind the ban of plastic bags.

Every year, the BMC workers remove tonnes of plastic being disposed of in nullahs. Initially, the plastic ban was working effectively with the BMC conducting raids at various shops and hawking establishments. The penalty was imposed on those sellers who were stocking plastic bags and using them for daily transactions. Many shopkeepers had stopped giving plastic bags and asked customers to bring cloth bags from home for their daily shopping needs. Malls replaced plastic bags with paper and cloth bags. Customers were also bringing containers to buy chicken, fish and liquid items.

The ban enforced by the state government on the plastic ban was diluted five days after it was implemented and the state government allowed shop keepers to use plastics for wrapping food and grocery items for a period of three months. The government also had framed a buyback policy for these plastic bags. The buyback scheme was launched for plastic bags, tetra packs, milk pouches, and pet bags. Maharashtra was the first state in India to announce a buyback scheme for plastics. The state government had announced a barcode scheme where it had asked manufacturers to give barcodes to the products they manufacture.

Despite the passage of eleven months after the plastic ban was enforced, shopkeepers continue to use plastic bags. They have also found out a new way to overcome the plastic ban. Many shopkeepers and vegetable sellers were seen handing out thick plastic bags without a handle to customers. Several of them even claimed that such plastic bags are not banned. They were only misusing a loophole wherein plastic bags without handles are exempted from the ban. This act has also created confusion among BMC inspection teams enforcing the plastic ban.

A plastic ban has failed to work in slum pockets of the city. Slum-dwellers throw plastic in nullahs thereby choking them during monsoon season. Plastic bags disrupt the flow of water. The ban imposed on plastic by BMC has not made any difference. Tonnes of plastic bags are found in nullahs while desilting drains prior to the monsoon season. Plastic bags choke the flow of water and are the main reason behind the city experiencing water logging incidents during heavy rainfall. Even though the civic body spends crores of rupees to clean nullahs slum-dwellers continue to dump daily waste in plastic bags. There also has been a sharp surge in the quantity of plastic bags disposed of in drains. Thus, there is a need to create awareness among citizens about disposing of waste and its segregation which will reduce flooding incidents during the rainy season.

(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)

Rise and fall of Congress

By

C K Subramaniam

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May 31, 2019

Its defeat now is far more consequential than it was in 2014, and it does not have the luxury of time. Congress president Rahul Gandhi put up a spirited fight but it was not good enough to slow down the Modi juggernaut. The Congress campaign was well-crafted and well-supported by a progressive manifesto promising jobs and a minimum income, but it just didn’t appeal to voters. Many strategic and tactical reasons will be given for the Congress’s failure; yet, we must begin by noting that the odds were heavily stacked in the BJP’s favour. Even though there are seniors in the camp, no one is having the guts and gumption to call a spade a spade and instead they try to shield and protect Rahul Gandhi.

Rahul Gandhi was the major topic and his cynosure to hit the right chords at the right time was appreciated by everyone. But during general election, Rahul Gandhi was given full charge of the party but he could not create any impact on the voters. Again, he lacked experience and the firepower to attract people with a dynamic approach. Rahul Gandhi, the Congress President fumbled all over and the results revealed his stature. However, Modi Magic really has an edge over Rahul. Using hard words and the Chowkidar chant all let the party down and now he is playing resignation drama and that gave a glimpse of his inexperience and chose those words at a wrong time when Prime Minister was at his eloquent best. Rahul should realise his role in the party and should be more aggressive and should not fall short of words.

After the Pulwama terrorist attack and India’s response with the Balakot air strikes, the BJP mixed national security with a muscular nationalism, which completely derailed the Opposition as Modi used this narrative to project himself as the strong leader of a ‘Mazboot Sarkar (solid government)’. Congress couldn’t counter this narrative. It tried to change the subject by returning the focus to people’s issues. The Nyuntam Aay Yojana (NYAY) income guarantee proposal was part of this attempt, but it came too late and the party didn’t carry it to the people.

Congress got entrapped into anti-Modi sledging, thereby jettisoning its time tested ideology inherited from the freedom movement. It suffers from a crisis of leadership, of ideology, of devoted grassroot-level organisers and workers, and a lack of self-confidence. It will have to work on all these fronts in the coming years, besides bolstering movements of the ignored or aggrieved sections and effectively and rationally raising voices for the common people. There is not even a single day that passes without a piece on criticising Modi. Why doesn’t Congress accept that collective wisdom of people is far more balanced and progressive than your narrow narrative that has only one thing in Centre – defeat Modi? People have acted decisively and have given a befitting reply to those who painted Modi as Divider in Chief.

Instead of concentrating on issues which worry the people, Congress party was counting chickens before they were actually hatched. Re-birth with real Constitutionalism to encash all patterns of identity politics; bring out real issues; encashing all illegitimate strategies of right-wing could give a spell to political opposition in the midst of pampering of political economy. Any government is just a democratically elected party, but, serving as the jackpot for MNC who had siphoned of NPA worth lakhs of crores of rupees; blending of identity politics in frontal mainstream media real issues are not discussed by all stakeholders, including voter himself. To counter all strategies of nationalism is a big challenge as the populism had penetrated in the minds.

The real problems with the Congress are: people have come to hate dynasty politics 2) Congress leaders lack credibility in people’s eyes 3) the massive corruption during the last time Congress was in power is still fresh in people’s mind 4) Recent state elections in Rajasthan, MP, and Chhattisgarh were won by a grossly mischievous promise of waiver for farm loans within three days of assuming office – a promise that was not fulfilled. It is hard to understand the Congress fixation for a Gandhi to lead the party. Why this can’t be opened up to a free election process like in most democracies? In today’s India, where 35 per cent are below 35 years, there is little attachment to a Gandhi name because of a) Rahul is not related to Mahatma Gandhi nor is India involved in a freedom struggle. Congress needs more than a makeover.

Congress, in fact, all non-BJP parties must realise one thing: Dump English word secularism and instead chant Sarva Dharm Samabhav, appeasing none and serving all. Thus, goodwill ultimately will prevail, as many nationalistic and jingoistic governments have shown by their limited appeal. Ultimately, people don’t care if you are living next to a Hindu, Christian or atheist for that matter, people care from their family, and giving them a good life and where Modi wins the vote for a strong India.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. The facts and opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of AFTERNOON VOICE and AFTERNOON VOICE does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.)

Now Ambedkar’s struggles, social movement in Delhi school syllabus

By

Web Team

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May 31, 2019

The Delhi government has decided to include a chapter on Dr B R Ambedkar’s struggles and social movement in school syllabus. The Social Welfare Minister of Delhi Rajendra Pal Gautam announced this on Friday.

Rajendra Pal Gautam revealed the state government initiative on Twitter. He said that the new chapter will be part of the curriculum soon. Rajendra Pal Gautam tweeted in Hindi. “Taking initiative, the Delhi government will soon include Babasaheb Ambedkar’s life struggle, the discrimination he faced and also his achievements in syllabus,” Pal tweeted.

दिल्ली सरकार पहल करते हुए जल्द ही पाठ्यक्रमों में बाबासाहेब अम्बेडकर के जीवन चरित्र, उनके संघर्ष, भेदभाव और सामाजिक आंदोलन को शामिल करेगी। https://t.co/S8QhhODf9p

— Rajendra Pal Gautam (@AdvRajendraPal) May 31, 2019

It is notable that Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, popularly known as Babasaheb Ambedkar, was a jurist, economist, politician and social reformer. He inspired the Dalit Buddhist movement and campaigned against social discrimination towards the untouchables. Babasaheb’s family was from the Mahar community and came from Ambavade in the Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra. However, he was born in the military cantonment, Mhow. Now, it is in Madhya Pradesh. His father was a Subedar Major in Mahar Regiment.

The struggle was a part of Babasaheb’s life. He had to work hard for everything he achieved. While he is remembered for his relentless crusade for a new social order, India shall always remain indebted to him for giving us a Constitution.

Modi Sarkar 2.0: Sensex high on josh

By

Web Team

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May 31, 2019

Sensex rises due to lok sabha elections — File Photo

After Modi Sarkar 2.0 resumed office, the share market went northward on Friday morning. The benchmark BSE Sensex crossed the 40,000 mark, rallying nearly 300 points in early trade on Friday led by gains in banking and IT stocks amid positive domestic cues and strong foreign fund inflow. After hitting a high of 40,119.81, the 30-share index was trading 271.12 points, or 0.68 per cent, higher at 40,103.09. In similar movement, the broader NSE Nifty crossed the 12,000 level, and was trading 81.20 points, or 0.68 per cent, higher at 12,027.10.

Morgan Stanley said that post elections outcome, focus will now shift to growth. According to the international brokerage, Sensex is all set to reach 45,000 level, a 10% upside from the current level. Nifty too is seen hitting 13,500 by June 2020.

Sunil Sharma, Chief Investment Officer, Sanctum Wealth Management said, “Indian markets seem to be defying gravity as they continue to rally. The positive sentiments are driven by investors conviction in current government’s ability to drive strong growth.”

In the previous session on Thursday, the Sensex ended 329.92 points, or 0.84 per cent, higher at 39,831.97, its fresh-closing high, while the NSE Nifty settled at a new closing peak of 11,945.90, gaining 84.80 points or 0.71 per cent. Meanwhile, foreign institutional investors (FIIs) bought equities worth Rs 1,664.74 crore on Thursday, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs) sold shares to the tune of Rs 1,122.60 crore, provisional data available with stock exchanges showed.

Top gainers in the Sensex pack include Asian Paints, Coal India, TCS, ONGC, HCL Tech, L&T, Axis Bank, SBI and IndusInd Bank, rising up to 3 per cent.

Letters to the Editor: 31 May, 2019

By

Web Team

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May 31, 2019

Take stringent action to curb ragging

The death of Dr Payal Tadvi a second-year resident doctor of BYL Nair Hospital on May 22, 2019, needs to be thoroughly investigated and the three doctors responsible for her suicide should be severely punished. Ragging in universities and colleges has withstood bitter opposition but its prevalence cannot justify its continuance. Just in the name of fun, the senior students assault freshers physically. Every year they come up with new methods to harass the newcomers.
Raggers derive vicious pleasure out of the suffering of others. The freshers have to serve their seniors and have to dance to the tune of their tormentors. Is it not a sad beginning for them?
Despite the fact that the colleges have banned ragging which often results in untoward incidents including death, it has perpetrated with impunity. In a sophisticated society, particularly in educational institutions, such acts tarnish their image. Ragging cannot be justified by calling it just fun because any pleasure derived out of the other’s sufferings is the devil’s pleasure. The concerned authorities should take a strict step to check this inhuman practice.

Jubel D’Cruz

Ragging which leads to suicide deaths is murder

Ragging was fun in the days of yore when it was done innocently as a part of the introduction between juniors and seniors. But ragging in today’s times of modern era which pushes students to commit suicide is murder and those indulging in such acts cannot be pardoned. Ragging is banned in many educational institutions and the suicide of Dr Payal Tadvi after casteist slurring reopens the debate on ragging which deserves a serious debate to end this menace.

Schools, colleges and hostels are for studies where students make their careers. Ragging incidents should not be tolerated and the government should not wait for more students to end their lives before stringent action is taken against such a crime. Dr Payal Tadvi’s death has shocked the city of Mumbai which one believed was peaceful. Those responsible for her death should be charged with murder. Also, casteist bullying in today’s era where everybody irrespective of caste and creed is treated equally does not deserve pardoning and punish the criminals in a manner that it acts as a lesson for all in future!

S.N. Kabra

New govt should push important bills urgently

People have given an absolute and clear mandate to ruling BJP to go ahead with many important reformative bills. New government should push all bills including abolition of article 370 and 35A of the Constitution, implementing two-child norms in a family, women-reservation, massive but consolidated poll-reforms including simultaneous elections to Lok Sabha and state-assemblies and many other such bills which were till now deferred either in wait of never-to-be achieved consensus or ruling BJP lacking majority in Rajya Sabha.

Opposition parties are not likely to oppose such bills in fear of further dilution of their already largely-squeezed base amongst masses. Any opposition of these bills will further expose opposing parties and in turn further vote-gain for BJP in any next elections including for state-assemblies. Even if new government presently fails to get required support to these bills in Rajya Sabha, these can be pushed later after BJP with its other NDA allies gets absolute majority in Rajya Sabha.

Subhash Chandra Agrawal

(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)

After Armed Forces Tribunal’s green signal, Admiral Karambir Singh takes over as new Navy chief

By

Web Team

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May 31, 2019

Admiral Karambir Singh on Friday took over as the 24th Chief of Indian Navy. He took charge from outgoing Navy chief Admiral Sunil Lamba.

It is worth mentioning that the Armed Forces Tribunal on Wednesday cleared the way for Vice Admiral Karambir Singh to become the next Navy Chief. It deferred for four weeks the matter of Vice Admiral Bimal Verma which seeks to quash Singh’s appointment.

Admiral Karambir Singh said, “My predecessors made sure that the Navy has a solid foundation and has reached new heights. It’ll be my endeavour to continue with their efforts and provide the nation with a Navy that’s strong, credible and ready to meet security challenges in the maritime domain.”

The Defence Ministry had also rejected Vice Admiral Bimal Verma’s plea, challenging the appointment of Singh as the next Navy chief. Vice Admiral Bimal Verma had questioned the government’s decision to ignore seniority and appoint his junior as the next Navy chief. The ministry said that the government was satisfied with the parameters of selection and based on an assessment. Vice Admiral Verma was considered but found unsuitable.

Amit Shah new Home Minister, Sitharaman gets Finance Ministry

By

Web Team

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May 31, 2019

Prime Minister has allotted portfolios to ministers. Amit Shah is new Union Home Minister and Nirmala Sitharaman has replaced Arun Jaitley in the Finance Ministry. Rajnath Singh will be the next Defence Minister.

Out of 57ministers of Modi Sarkar 2.0, 17 ministers have been entrusted with their old ministries. The new Modi cabinet includes only six women ministers, out of which four have previously served as Union cabinet ministers. However, it is interesting to note that the 17th Lok Sabha comprises of 78 women MPs in the house, which is the largest so far.

The four women ministers are Nirmala Sitharaman, Smriti Zubin Irani, Harsimrat Kaur and Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti. The two new ministers in the cabinet include Debasree Chaudhuri and Renuka Singh Saruta.

Below are the other major ministries:

Nitin Jairam Gadkari — Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Minister of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.

D V Sadananda Gowda — Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers

Ramvilas Paswan — Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution

Narendra Singh Tomar — Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Minister of Rural Development, and Minister of Panchayati Raj

Ravi Shankar Prasad — Minister of Law and Justice, Minister of Communications, and Minister of Electronics and Information Technology

Harsimrat Kaur Badal — Minister of Food Processing Industries

Subrahmanyam Jaishankar — Minister of External Affairs

Thawar Chand Gehlot — Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment

Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank’ — Minister of Human Resource Development

Arjun Munda — Minister of Tribal Affairs

Smriti Zubin Irani — Minister of Women and Child Development; and Minister of Textiles

Harsh Vardhan — Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Minister of Science and Technology, and Minister of Earth Sciences

Prakash Javadekar — Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Minister of Information and Broadcasting.

Piyush Goyal — Minister of Railways, Minister of Commerce and Industry

Dharmendra Pradhan — Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, and Minister of Steel

Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi — Minister of Minority Affairs

Pralhad Joshi — Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Minister of Coal, and Minister of Mines

Mahendra Nath Pandey — Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship

Arvind Ganpat Sawant — Minister of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprise

Giriraj Singh — Minister of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries

Gajendra Singh Shekhawat — Minister of Jal Shakti

Shripad Yesso Naik — Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (AYUSH)

Dr. Jitendra Singh — Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region; Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office; Minister of State in the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions; Minister of State in the Department of Atomic Energy and Minister of State in the Department of Space

Hardeep Singh Puri — Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs

Ashwini Kumar Choubey — Minister of State in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

Ramdas Athawale — Minister of State in the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment