Wednesday, May 22nd 10:36 PM IST
 

UPA's cabinet reshuffle is a damp squib

Akshaya Mishra

The expectation of a dramatic change from the latest reshuffle was misplaced. The new ministers have too little time to prove their ability, if they have any. The UPA government doess not have too much time left on its hands. It has to face an election in about 14 months if it runs its full course. However, given the current political scenario it could happen much earlier. That gives little time for the new ministers to make a lasting impression. Don’t forget the big ticket assembly elections due in the next six months.The pressure will hinder any aggressive decision-making from the ministers. Moreover, the ministers will be aware of the fact that these are difficult times to be taking hard decisions, with opposition building up to reforms and changes in several spaces. It was a cosmetic affair with induction of new faces in place of old ones.read less read more

Arun George

The government may be running short on time but there’s no better time to work on improving their standing among the Indian voters. The Cabinet reshuffle has aimed to fulfill thee UPA’s economic plans as well as its standing among the regional parties. It is now up to the ministers to now show that they can do something to fast track economic policy and improve the image of the current UPA government. The inclusion of relatively younger ministers also holds hope for the future.The UPA is looking down the barrel anyway, its best to try and push forward with new faces that hold more promise. Let’s not write them off before they’ve begun work.read less read more