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When a pro-regime writer recently suggested a reshuffle of the Modi Cabinet, to reattune the administration to reality, it provoked much social media attention. The writer called the Union Cabinet “jaded” and asked for removal of its “deadwood”. The Modi Cabinet, he wrote, needed “new faces and new ideas”.

The columnist carefully avoided naming names, but it was apparent whom he meant. The mainstream media reported the buzz, but called it part of a wider plan to tone up the administration and party organisation in states. Nevertheless, eventually, the ruling duo found it safer not to disturb the incumbent ministers.

During the good old days, it was customary for us journalists to file occasional ‘reshuffle stories’ – about the to and fro of both ministers and bureaucrats. We scrutinised their performance and named the inefficient and unpopular ones. We pinpointed the disrepute brought by the deadwood and often hinted at which minister or bureucrat would soon get sacked and who was tipped to get important portfolios or ministries. Such honest inputs helped prime ministers make up their mind.

In those days, no one from the PMO called up the editor or castigated the correspondent. Department secretaries were not so servile as they now are. They maintained a certain degree of dignity and fair-play, even when the media conjectured about secretaries and ministries. All this is unthinkable for journalists today, who are so used to Modi’s authoritarian blueprint.

Illustration: Pariplab Chakraborty

Consider the scenario. Every decision of this government is credited to Modi: he conceives them and implements in his own name. He inaugurates every project and takes upon himself the responsibility to attend every review meeting. All of these the media duly highlights. So how can the prime minister, all of a sudden, put all the blame for mistakes of omission or commission on the minister or officials?

Clearly, Modi-Shah are trapped in their own authoritarian chakravyuh. This explains why they developed cold feet on a Cabinet recast even though a thorough shakeup is badly needed. Can the prime minister really sack his trusted follower Dharmendra Pradhan, even though he has repeatedly messed up the examination system, after having sent him to manage polls in states like Haryana? One wonders.

In the Union finance ministry, everything is done in the prime minister’s name and on his behalf. He is........

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