BJP party president Amit Shah likely to be next Union Finance Minister: Top sources

Ahead of the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with other ministers at the Rashtrapati Bhavan at 7 pm on May 30, top sources have told Republic TV that BJP party president Amit Shah is likely to be the next Union Finance Minister. 

Simultaneously to the confirmation, Gujarat BJP chief Jitu Vaghani had tweeted a congratulatory message to Amit Shah on being inducted into the cabinet.

"Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, I met and congratulated our visionary and guide Amit Shah for being a part of the central cabinet."

This development has come a day after the incumbent Finance Minister in the Modi cabinet, Arun Jaitley, wrote a letter to the Prime Minister-elect opting out of being entrusted with formal responsibilities in the next government, citing his health as being the reason for the decision.  

Jaitley, who has held multiple portfolios in the NDA governments led by both Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Narendra Modi, including key ministries such as Finance and Defence in the latter, further said that he will take time to focus on his health and therefore will not be a part of the new government. However, in the letter, he assured that he would informally undertake any work to support the Modi government or the BJP. 

Here is Arun Jaitley's letter to the Prime Minister:

READ | Arun Jaitley Cites Health Grounds To Formally Opt Out Of Position In Modi Government 2.0, Says Can Work ‘informally For Govt And BJP'. Read Full Letter To PM Modi Here

Later on Wednesday, PM Modi had visited Arun Jaitley, as per sources, to request him to reconsider his decision and remain in government.

Meanwhile, preparations are underway at the Rashtrapati Bhavan to welcome guests for the swearing-in, including an array of foreign dignitaries. A highest ever 8,000 guests, including VVIPs, will be attending the swearing-in ceremony of the Prime Minister and his council of ministers on Thursday. Apart from the BIMSTEC country leaders, who's who of the sports and film fraternity will also attend Prime Minister's swearing-in.