In a surprising move, Kiren Rijiju has been removed from his position as the Union Law Minister and replaced by Arjun Ram Meghwal, just a year before the national elections. Rijiju, who was known as one of the government’s most prominent ministers and a troubleshooter, has been reassigned to the Ministry of Earth Sciences, which is considered a relatively low-key portfolio. This change comes less than a year after Rijiju was promoted to the Law Ministry with cabinet status.
Arjun Ram Meghwal, who previously served as the Minister of State in charge of Parliamentary Affairs, will now hold independent charge of the Law Ministry. Notably, this is the first time in recent history that the Law Minister does not hold cabinet rank. The President’s House issued a brief statement this morning announcing the change, stating that it was made based on the advice of the Prime Minister. Shortly after the announcement, Rijiju updated his Twitter bio to reflect the change in his portfolio.
The decision to replace Rijiju as the Union Law Minister has caught many by surprise, given his reputation as an influential minister within the government. Rijiju was known for his ability to handle challenging situations and was considered a troubleshooter for the government. His transfer to the Ministry of Earth Sciences, which deals with scientific research and meteorology, represents a significant shift in responsibilities.
Arjun Ram Meghwal, who will now take on the role of Union Law Minister, has previously served as the Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs. With this new appointment, he will hold independent charge of the Law Ministry, indicating that he will have greater authority and decision-making powers in this portfolio. It remains to be seen how Meghwal will approach his new responsibilities and whether any significant changes or reforms will be introduced under his leadership.
The unexpected cabinet reshuffle comes at a crucial time, as the nation prepares for the upcoming national elections. Such changes in key ministerial positions can have implications for the government’s policies and strategies leading up to the elections. The Prime Minister’s decision to replace Rijiju and appoint Meghwal suggests a realignment of priorities within the government and a desire to bring a fresh perspective to the Law Ministry.
As the new Union Law Minister, Arjun Ram Meghwal will face the task of overseeing the legal affairs of the country, including the formulation of new laws, the administration of justice, and the coordination with the judiciary. His experience in parliamentary affairs may prove beneficial in handling legal matters that require legislative action or coordination with lawmakers.
With this unexpected change in the Union Law Ministry, political analysts and observers will closely monitor how Arjun Ram Meghwal performs in his new role and whether any significant policy shifts or initiatives will be introduced under his leadership. Meanwhile, Kiren Rijiju’s transition to the Ministry of Earth Sciences will require him to adapt to a new domain and contribute to scientific research and meteorological advancements.