Combining railways & roads ministries makes sense: Swapan Das Gupta

In what could be the last major reshuffle before the next general elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi may rejig his council of ministers this weekend.

In an interview to CNBC-TV18, Swapan Das Gupta, MP, Rajya Sabha shared his views. He said there is the likelihood of an expansion of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) being reflected in the ministry.

The ability of the ministers to have performed or underperformed will be major criterion in determining which people are going to be put into the new ministry, he added.

According to him, in the last mile before the general elections, we are going to see efficiency as being the main criterion of the new government.

On rejigging of cabinet portfolios, Das Gupta said that environment is an area, which has traditionally been Suresh Prabhu’s main area of interest, so I would expect that Suresh Prabhu may take on the environment. He also expects Nitin Gadkari to assume charge of railways because he has a reputation of being a doer in various ways. Combining railway & roads ministries makes sense, he added.

Arun Jaitley has been able to push through a lot of major policy changes in defence post Parrikar exit. More importantly, there is definite coordination between finance and defence ministries, said Das Gupta.

For full interview, watch accompanying video...