Why Sushma Swaraj Failed to Make a Cut in the Modi Cabinet?
Sushma Swaraj, the former Minister of External Affairs and a prominent figure within the BJP, did not make it to the list of cabinet ministers for the second tenure under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This decision has garnered attention and scrutiny.
Health Considerations
Officially, the reason for Swaraj's exclusion was her health. She had undergone a kidney transplant in 2016 and, citing health concerns, she opted not to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. However, there have been no official confirmations about her exclusion. Discussions around her absence suggest that her health might not be the only reason.
Senior ministers of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) have faced serious health issues in recent years, including Arun Jaitley, Manohar Parrikar, and Gopinath Munde. This pattern of health-related exits from the cabinet has raised questions about the underlying reasons behind Swaraj's exclusion.
Political Speculation
There is a plausible political scenario that suggests Swaraj's exclusion could be due to her stature growing too large. According to a popular narrative, Swaraj was becoming too significant a figure within the party, potentially overshadowing even Prime Minister Modi. This hypothesis has led to extensive discussions among political analysts and the public alike.
Others, like the author of this piece, believe that Swaraj has taken voluntary retirement due to her health conditions. Sushma Swaraj was a steadfast supporter of the party, and her absence could mean a significant void within the cabinet. Her address to the UNO assembly was a powerful and influential milestone, a role that future cabinet members will have to replicate.
Retirement with Dignity
In her farewell speech, Sushma Swaraj expressed her wish for a healthy retirement. She mentioned that her decision to step down was primarily based on her health, which had been a factor during her previous cabinet tenure as well. She highlighted the importance of health in both personal and professional life, emphasizing that without health, one cannot carry out their duties efficiently.
Health concerns are not the only issue for prominent figures in the cabinet. Arun Jaitley, another senior minister, has also cited health as a reason for not contesting. Both Swaraj and Jaitley suffered serious illnesses during their first tenure and chose to prioritize their health over cabinet responsibilities. They set an example of not being power-hungry and prioritizing the well-being of the nation.
Among the Indian population, there is a sense of loss over Swaraj's departure. Her address to the UNO assembly was a defining moment, showcasing her commitment to the international arena and her ability to articulate complex issues with clarity. This loss is a significant aspect of the national discourse.
While Sushma Swaraj's absence from the Modi cabinet is ostensibly due to health reasons, the broader picture of her and other senior ministers' health concerns during their tenure provides a deeper understanding. It highlights the importance of health in public service and the need for politicians to make difficult decisions for the greater good.