Cabinet 2.0: Is Jagan Compromised?

In the cabinet reshuffle, AP CM Jagan’s exercise and thoughts were not fully successful. Three years back when the first cabinet was formed, Jagan said a majority of the ministers will be replaced and give an opportunity to fresh faces. In this new cabinet reshuffle, Jagan had compromised on a couple of aspects for multiple reasons.

Initially there were reports that Jagan would retain at least five ministers from the previous cabinet. But the number went up from five to seven in a span of just 24 hours and then leaks were given to the media that not seven but 11 ministers would be retained by Jagan. These developments show Jagan’s strategy did not go as per the plan and he missed his own words of replacing ninety percent of the ministers in the cabinet 2.0.

This is surprising that despite having full grip over the party and government, Jagan could not fully implement his strategies. He might have come to an understanding about the cabinet 2.0 after taking into consideration seniority, community and capacity combinations. This suggests that Jagan did not do much background work during the first cabinet but the effort doubled for the fresh reshuffle.

The fact that the composition of Jagan’s new cabinet did not happen so easily, may have been due to social engineering equations, pressure from party insiders, biggies and some unavoidable reasons to continue a few of the ministers.

But two aspects are going to play a crucial role with the new cabinet. Reports suggest that Jagan would continue five deputy CMs combination but who will be the new deputies? How will Jagan utilise the services and experience of his ex-ministers? Overall this cabinet is formed keeping elections in view.