Episode 251: India's Cabinet Formation

In this episode of South Asia Chat, Mr Raghaw Khattri is in conversation with Mr Vinod Rai, Distinguished Visiting Research Fellow at ISAS, and former Comptroller and Auditor General of India, to discuss the recent cabinet formation following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's swearing-in on 10 June 2024. The new coalition government includes 71 ministers, with 30 Cabinet Ministers, 5 holding independent charge, and 36 Ministers of State, featuring 9 new faces. Mr Rai provides insights on the representation of the National Democratic Alliance allies, the balance of regions, castes, and seniority in the cabinet, including the potential impact on governance and upcoming elections. The discussion further explores significant appointments, such as Shivraj Singh Chouhan as Minister for Agriculture, and the notable absence of Muslim ministers in the council.