Cabinet Reshuffle: Smriti removed from I&B Ministry; Piyush gets Finance
Ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha Elections, there has been a major cabinet reshuffle in the Modi-led government. The Finance Ministry, which was being handled by Arun Jaitley, has now been given to Piyush Goyal. He will be handling this portfolio, along with the Railway Ministry. Further, Smriti Irani has been removed from the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, Rajyavardhan Rathore will now take independent charge of the ministry.
Arun Jaitley underwent kidney transplant surgery, earlier today
Earlier today, Arun Jaitley underwent a successful kidney transplant surgery at the AIIMS in Delhi. The 65-year-old Jaitley had confirmed his illness on April 6 after undergoing a series of tests, days before taking oath as a Rajya Sabha member for another six-year term.
What could have triggered Irani's removal?
Smriti Irani has always been a controversial figure. Earlier in May, disgruntled President's office had written to the Prime Minister, blaming Irani-led I&B ministry for mishandling the prestigious National Awards ceremony. Expressing discontent, over 60 award winners had boycotted the event for being honored by ministers Smriti Irani and Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore and not the President himself. This could have led to her removal.
