With May anniversary, reshuffle for Cabinet

The Prime Minister is likely to take into account allegations of corruption against certain ministers as regards ‘‘party funding’’, with Manmohan keen to preserve his image of a clean leader.

Efficiency of ministers will be judged against the roadmap laid down in the National Common Minimum Programme. The PMO has been monitoring the promises made in the NCMP and performance in this regard. Detailed reports might now be sent to ministries to remind them of their unfinished agenda.

The six-month time-table spelt out by the PM last week, which consists of a wishlist for 46 ministries, including specific policy issues like a comprehensive plan on FDI policy, scrapping subsidy, a white paper on disinvestment and strategy on war against terror, will also form the basis for evaluation of ministers’ performance.

However, juggling coalition politics with the need to induct fresh blood in the form of younger MPs may not be an easy task. The last reshuffle exercise in November—when the JMM’s Shibu Soren had to be reinducted while TRS chief T S R Chandrashekhar Rao had to be allotted a portfolio—had proved problematic for Manmohan.

This time around, Manmohan has decided not to take any chances. This is why the reshuffle has been put off till after the Budget session. Also, say informed sources, one year in office could be a good time to evaluate performance of ministers. With the Bihar results out, the new equation within the UPA would also be clearer by then. The Left parties, supporting the Government from outside, would also be through with their conclaves, where they are expected to take a stand on the reforms programme, an issue close to the Prime Minister’s heart.