New Delhi, July 9
The much talked about reshuffle of the Union Council of Ministers may take place next week. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today met Congress president Sonia Gandhi and is believed to have discussed the changes likely to be effected in the two-year-old UPA government.

With President Pratibha Patil returning to the Capital from her week-long stay in Andhra Pradesh, the speculation is that the reshuffle could take place any time next week.

The exercise has become necessary in view of vacancies having arisen in the Congress-led ministry in the wake of resignations of some key Cabinet ministers. Textiles Minister and DMK leader Dayanidhi Maran resigned on Thursday after the CBI talked about his possible role in the 2G Spectrum scam. Another DMK leader A Raja had resigned as Telecom Minister in November last year after the premier investigation agency chargesheeted him in the scandal.

Even as his government grapples with serious charges of corruption, the PM has indicated that he proposed to effect far-reaching changes in the ministry soon. At a meeting with select editors recently, he said the reshuffle of the Council of Ministers was a ‘work in progress’.

The PM might not change heads in key ministries like Home, Finance, Defence and External Affairs, say sources. HRD & Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal might have to shed one portfolio.

After Mamata becoming the West Bengal CM, the Railways portfolio could go to a nominee of her party, the Trinamool Congress.

There is also pressure on the Congress leadership to remove ‘deadwoods’ and induct fresh faces, particularly younger leaders, into the Cabinet.