Who after Dharmendra Pradhan? Names emerge as cabinet reshuffle looms

NEW DELHI: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has resigned following protests led by the Cockroach Janata Party over alleged irregularities in the NEET examinations, setting the stage for what is expected to be a broader reshuffle of the Union Council of Ministers.

With Pradhan's exit, the BJP leadership has begun the search for a successor to head the education ministry. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has emerged as one of the leading contenders for the portfolio, a possibility that had previously surfaced amid speculation over a cabinet reshuffle. Former Education Minister Mansukh Mandaviya is also understood to be under consideration, though the party is yet to take a final call.

The expected changes are not confined to the education ministry. Reports suggest former Reserve Bank Governor Shaktidas is likely to replace Nirmala as Finance Minister, indicating a wider reorganisation of key portfolios within the Union Cabinet.

Several other political figures are also said to be in contention for ministerial berths. Among them are Raghav Chadha, who recently crossed over from the Aam Aadmi Party to the BJP, and Shrikant Shinde, son of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Rebel Members of Parliament from the Trinamool Congress are likewise reported to be under consideration for ministerial positions.

Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah is also being discussed as a possible candidate for the post of Deputy Prime Minister, although no official announcement has been made on any of the proposed appointments.