BJP leader Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore
Several bigwigs and political heavyweights were not sworn into PM Narendra Modi's cabinet on Thursday. These are not only big names but have already served as ministers in the NDA government. Although expansion of the Cabinet may take place in future, non-induction of these leaders from into the Cabinet on the day when PM Narendra Modi took an oath is sure to raise eyebrows.
Here are ex-ministers who did not take oath on Thursday
- Sushma Swaraj
- Suresh Prabu
- J P Nadda
- Mahesh Sharma
- Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore
- Jayant Sinha
Sushma Swaraj, who was External Affairs Minister during the previous term of Modi government, did not contest the Lok Sabha elections this time, declaring that her health did not permit her to enter the fray and campaign.
During her tenure as the External Affairs Minister, she was very popular among the Indian diaspora and the compatriots stranded anywhere across the globe. Just one tweet to her about any problem any Indian faced anywhere and she would immediately swing into action and activate the Indian mission in those countries for help.
Along with her, Prabhu, who held the key portfolios of Railways and then Commerce and Industry and Civil Aviation, also did not find a place in the new Council of Ministers.
Nadda, who was the Health Minister in the previous term, was also absent from the list of ministers this time. However, there is speculation that he could be made the BJP President to succeed Amit Shah who has been included in the Cabinet.
Rathore, a former Olympian, who was a successful Sports and Information and Broadcasting Minister, also did not figure in the list of ministers.
Mahesh Sharma, the Minister for Tourism and Culture in the previous government.
Jayant Sinha, Minister of State for Finance in the previous government, also was missing in the new Cabinet.
Watch | Oath-taking ceremony: Narendra Modi, ministers sworn in at a grand ceremony (Part-1)
