Bhubaneswar: Union Home Minister Amit Shah has called off his much-anticipated visit to Odisha, originally scheduled for July 3–5, sparking fresh speculation about an imminent reshuffle in the Union Cabinet.
Following the cancellation, State BJP president Manmohan Samal immediately left for the national capital, closely followed by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi after the MoU signing ceremony for the proposed Aluminium project by International Holding Company, UAE (IHC Group), with IPICOL at Lok Seva Bhawan here.
According to Bargarh MP Pradeep Purohit, who had earlier confirmed the itinerary, Shah will not be able to travel to the State due to pressing official commitments in the national capital.
The Union Minister was set to arrive in Jharsuguda on July 3 and proceed to Bargada, where he was to inaugurate a major BPCL integrated 1G and 2G bio-ethanol plant at Baulsingha village. Shah was also scheduled to lay foundation stones for other development works in Bargada before moving to Sambalpur on July 4 for public meetings, project inaugurations, and engagements with BJP workers and local leaders.
The abrupt cancellation comes at a time when political circles in Delhi are abuzz with talk of a possible expansion or reshuffle of the Union Council of Ministers. No new dates for the Odisha visit have been announced so far.
The BJP-led government in Odisha has completed two years in power, yet six Cabinet berths remain vacant. Persistent speculation about a State-level reshuffle and expansion has grown stronger in recent months, with party insiders discussing performance of sitting ministers.
Political observers suggest that the central leadership may review the performance of sitting ministers for potential portfolio reallocations while considering State leaders’ requests to fill six vacant ministerial positions in Odisha to strengthen governance ahead of future electoral cycles.
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