Modi 3.0 wants to reassure with same Big 4

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has retained the core team of his previous Cabinet, with the "Big 4" ministers maintaining their key portfolios in the Modi 3.0 government.

In a move that reassures continuity, Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah, Nirmala Sitharaman and S Jaishankar will continue to lead the Defence, Home, Finance and External Affairs ministries, respectively.

The decision will also ensure a smooth transition into the Modi 3.0, as other BJP bigwigs like Manohal Lal Khattar and Shivraj Singh Chouhan have also been given key ministerial berths.

The BJP, having secured a third term in power, with a reduced majority, the retention of these key BJP ministers is expected to provide a sense of familiarity to the nation.

Rajnath Singh, the seasoned politician and a close ally of PM Modi, will continue to oversee the Defence Ministry, a critical portfolio given India's complex geopolitical relations with its neighbours.

Amit Shah, widely regarded as Modi's right-hand man, will retain the Home Ministry, where he has been instrumental in shaping the government's internal security policies.

S Jaishankar, the career diplomat and a highly respected man in international circles, will continue to lead the External Affairs Ministry. He is credited with the transformation of India's foreign policy under PM Modi.

Nirmala Sitharaman, an economist and a key figure in Modi's economic team, will retain the Finance Ministry, where she has been instrumental in shaping the government's fiscal policies and budgetary decisions.

The retention of these key ministers is also a sign of Modi's confidence in their abilities as the Modi 3.0 government begins its new innings.