Madhya Pradesh Cabinet Reshuffle Imminent Following BJP's Bihar Victory: Performance Reports Ready

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Bhopal:

Political ripples have begun to spread across Madhya Pradesh following the BJP-led NDA's triumph in the Bihar assembly elections, with strong indicators pointing toward an imminent major cabinet reshuffle in Dr Mohan Yadav's administration.

According to reliable sources who spoke to NDTV, performance evaluations of all state ministers, assessed on four comprehensive parameters, have already reached the BJP's central leadership. This assessment, coinciding with the government's approaching two-year milestone this December, is expected to create opportunities for fresh faces in the cabinet while redirecting some current ministers toward organizational roles.

Sources reveal that the ministerial evaluation focuses on four critical areas – innovation and implementation of new departmental initiatives; efficacy in executing state and central government programs, including key campaigns like the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra; synchronization between government and party organization; and the minister's grassroots engagement with workers, officials, and citizens. District-level performance metrics were scrutinized in detail, with ministers evaluated on time allocated to assigned districts, development meeting participation, overnight stays in villages, and community engagement through Chaupals.

With four ministerial positions currently vacant in the 31-member cabinet, the timing of this report has intensified speculation. The anticipated cabinet expansion or reshuffle will likely address regional representation balance and fortify the government ahead of the 2028 assembly elections.

The evaluation extends beyond ministers. MLAs were recently instructed to develop comprehensive four-year development blueprints for their constituencies. Their utilization of MLA funds, implementation of welfare schemes, and engagement with local issues have all undergone assessment. These reports will also be presented to the Chief Minister, indicating that this review process extends far beyond mere cabinet adjustments.

When questioned by NDTV about the possibility of an imminent reshuffle following the completion of the report, the Chief Minister offered a measured yet telling response. "Our party operates nationwide. The Honorable Prime Minister (Narendra Modi), Amit Shah, and JP Nadda, our National President, provide our leadership," he stated. "A two-year review is standard procedure. We abide by whatever the party decides. Opportunities arise from the merits of many lifetimes. Work must be accomplished, and we should fulfill our responsibilities."

His response, neither confirming nor denying the speculation, has further fueled political discussions in Bhopal.

Sources suggest the BJP might implement the "Gujarat formula" in Madhya Pradesh, wherein several senior MLAs could receive cabinet appointments, while certain current ministers might transition to key organizational roles within the party. The upcoming selection of a new national BJP president could significantly influence which senior Madhya Pradesh leaders secure positions in the central team. The final composition of the Mohan Yadav cabinet will only become clear after this organizational restructuring is complete.

When forming the current cabinet, the BJP primarily focused on the Lok Sabha elections, resulting in a deliberately calibrated caste structure.

The OBC community, which wields considerable influence in Madhya Pradesh, is represented by twelve ministers, including the Chief Minister. Nine ministers, among them Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla, belong to upper-caste groups, while five Scheduled Tribe and five Scheduled Caste MLAs hold ministerial positions. With Bihar elections concluded and attention shifting toward governance and the 2028 state elections, sources indicate these caste equations may undergo realignment.

Political circles are abuzz with speculation that two senior BJP MLAs who previously held ministerial roles may return to the cabinet.

An MLA who defected from Congress to BJP is reportedly being considered for a ministerial position, while two women MLAs might secure places in the expanded team. At least three current ministers reportedly face potential removal based on their performance evaluations.