QUICK PILL Ringing in the changes PM Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah have reportedly finalised plans for a cabinet reshuffle With an eye on upcoming assembly polls, states like Assam and Uttarakhand may get better representation Paying the price Ministers from Bihar are likely to be dropped after the recent assembly poll debacle Those who haven\'t performed up to scratch in Modi\'s estimation are likely to be axed

The new year is likely to see a major overhaul in the Narendra Modi cabinet, as well as in the BJP's organisational structure.

The PM and party president Amit Shah have reportedly finalised reshuffle plans in a recent one-on-one meeting. In the wake of the electoral debacle in Bihar and many crucial assembly elections in the next couple of years, the leaders agreed that structure also needs a shake-up.

A few central ministers could be deputed to the party, while some party functionaries may be relieved of their duties.

Currently, the government has a total of 65 ministers - 27 belonging to the cabinet rank, 25 ministers of state (MoS) and 13 MoSs with independent charge. Of these, seven cabinet ministers, four MoS Independent Charge and one MoS are members of the Rajya Sabha.

Ministers from Bihar, including BJP ally Upendra Kushwaha, might get the sack after the poll debacle

Who could be axed?

Ministers who have not been able to fulfill Modi's expectations.

Ministers from Bihar, as punishment for the debacle in the state assembly polls.

According to sources, Ram Kripal Yadav and Giriraj Singh could be replaced.

BJP ally Upendra Kushwaha from the Rashtriya Lok Samta Party could also pay the price for his party's non-performance in Bihar.

Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti and Ram Shankar Katheria from Uttar Pradesh could also be shown the door.

Shah's first term as party president ends in January, and he is almost certain to get one more term as party president. He might have asked Modi to relieve some of his favourites to take charge of the party organisation.

Who might get new portfolios?

Portfolios are likely to be shuffled around, with those who have achieved in the PM's eyes getting promotions.

Agriculture minister Radha Mohan Singh, who hails from Bihar, may be given charge of a new ministry.

Some of the women ministers are also likely to be shuffled around. Minority Affairs Minister Najma Heptuallah, Women and Child Welfare Minister Maneka Gandhi and Human Resources Development Minister Smriti Irani might get new ministries to handle.

Maneka wants her son Varun to be made a minister, and it remains to be seen whether she makes way for him or they both get inducted into the cabinet.

Smriti may be removed from the cabinet altogether and given significant responsibility within the party, even though Shah is reluctant to induct her into his core team. The RSS, too, is reportedly unhappy with her performance.

One minister who might not be touched at all is Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma. The RSS is said to be happy with his performance in one of its pet ministries.

Who is likely to be inducted?

This overhaul is being planned predominantly with the next two years' assembly elections in mind. But some sources suggest this may be the last major reshuffle till the next general elections, in which case the party will also keep one eye on that.