Union ministers Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi and RCP Singh submitted their resignations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, a day ahead of completion of their Rajya Sabha term, sources said, reports news agency PTI.
Prime minister Modi had praised both Naqvi and Singh during the cabinet meeting for their contribution to the country during their tenure, in an apparent suggestion of it being their final cabinet meeting.
The Rajya Sabha terms of Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi and Steel Minister RCP Singh end on Thursday, both ministers submitted their resignations to fulfil the constitutional obligation as they will cease to be parliamentarians from Friday.
The President of India, as advised by the Prime Minister, has accepted the resignations of Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi and Shri Ram Chandra Prasad Singh from the Union Council of Ministers, with immediate effect, under clause (2) of Article 75 of the Constitution.
Further, as advised by the Prime Minister, The President has directed that Smriti Zubin Irani, Cabinet Minister, be assigned the charge of the Ministry of Minority Affairs, in addition to her existing portfolio.
Furthermore, as advised by the Prime Minister, The President has directed that Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Cabinet Minister, be assigned the charge of the Ministry of Steel, in addition to his existing portfolio, reads a press communique from the president of India website.
The BJP did not renominate Naqvi. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s party did not renominate RCP Singh.
There is speculation that Naqvi may be chosen by the BJP as its candidate for Vice President of India. Naqvi met with BJP president JP Nadda before handing in his resignation to PM Modi, powering more talk.
M Venkaiah Naidu’s term as Vice President ends on August 10. July 19 is the last date for nominations for Vice President. The election is scheduled to be held on August 6.