Perform or perish: PM Modi

New Delhi: With PM Narendra Modi deciding to go in for a major Cabinet reshuffle on Sunday morning and even as questions loom large over the performance of many of his colleagues, one issue that becomes clear is that it is a real major rejig.

But the big question remains: Who will be the next Defence Minister?

After the exit of Manohar Parrikar from the key portfolio, the all-important ministry is being handled by Arun Jaitley who has done a commendable job in relaxing procurement norms and making ad hoc allocations increasing the financial limits of officers involved in the decision-making process.

The entire Cabinet is stung by the developments as some of those who have resigned already were not expecting to be asked to. But, the yardstick applied by the two disciplinarians, Modi and Amit Shah, has really flunked them, one could say. Equally interesting to see will be who is going to be the party's chief spokesperson.

Nirmala Sitharaman's name is making rounds here but as for her performance there is no blot at all, it is said. Perhaps, she is moved, it is only because of her merit, it is said. If even heavy weights like Uma Bharati, Kalraj Mishra, Radha Mohan Singh, are being removed, it goes to show that the Modi-Shah duo is not afraid of the "consequences' as they have the full support of the RSS in this issue and have been assured of its non-interference in this exercise ahead of the next crucial general elections.

Interestingly, Dattatreya seems to be almost topping the list of non-performers with complaints piling against him of misuse of the opportunity too.

Ministers Sanjeev Balyan and Mahendra Pandey, who had to resign on Thursday, could be termed as 'recalls' because of their not so noteworthy performance.

Rajiv Pratap Rudy had already expressed his happiness to work for the party having tendered his resignation on Thursday. Modi's Cabinet is severely handicapped with key positions falling vacant like that of the Defence, Urban Affairs and I & B and Environment. All these are now being handled by already burdened ministers.

Again, Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu has already put in his papers ahead of others following a series of train accidents involving loss of scores of lives.

The Prime Minister has varied options now in accommodating people. JD (U) has to be accommodated in the Cabinet too. There are elections to the Himachal Pradesh later this year and the party is reportedly set to snatch power back. One of the Cabinet Ministers like J P Nadda could be sent back as the Chief Minister of the state in the event, it is said.

Karnataka elections next year may also have a bearing on the rejig with Yeddyurappa faction getting accommodated. Interestingly, whether the AIADMK will find a place in it is not known.

Whether any or all of these could have a bearing on TDP ministers is to be seen but no changes are expected to the fortunes of either Y S Chowdhary or P Ashok Gajapati Raju unless TDP chief and Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu seeks it.

Whatever may be the changes, the message of the Modi government is clear: Perform or perish.