Post News Network
Bhubaneswar: The corridors of power are abuzz with rumours of a possible reshuffle of ministerial portfolios as Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Wednesday began reviewing performances of various departments to mark completion of two-year Biju Janata Dal (BJD) rule.
According to sources, reshuffle of ministers could be possible in June on the basis of individual performance of ministers.
As part of the performance appraisal of his ministers and their departments in the past two years, the Chief Minister has commenced review of performance of housing and urban development, skill development and technical education, fisheries and animal resources development. Patnaik reviewed the performance of individual departments separately.
According to sources, the ministers’ efficiency will be analysed on the basis of their department’s performance in the past two years.
Patnaik, who had also conducted such review meetings on completion of one-year-rule of his government last year, made no reshuffle.
However, given the present situation in which a few of his ministers drew statewide flak in the wake of farmers’ suicides, drought and graft allegations, the chief minister may go far a change, sources speculated.
Meanwhile, party spokesperson Pratap Keshari Deb has fuelled speculation about a likely change in the council of ministers.
In his reaction to reports on the issue, Deb admitted that the performance of ministers will be the ‘‘yardstick’’ for any reshuffle.
“Our party’s chief agenda being transparent governance and development, performance of ministers and departments will be reviewed,” he said, adding, “it is up to the chief minister to consider a reshuffle.”
