New Delhi, June 10, 2024 - The new cabinet headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has seen a decline in the number of women members, with only seven women inducted compared to the ten women ministers and state ministers in the previous cabinet. Despite this reduction, several women have made history by securing significant roles.

Nirmala Sitharaman continues to serve as the Union Finance Minister, maintaining her crucial position in Modi's cabinet.

Annapurna Devi has become the second woman, after Sitharaman, to attain a full ministerial role. She has been appointed as the Minister of Women and Child Welfare, succeeding Smriti Irani, one of the BJP's top leaders. Annapurna's political journey began under challenging circumstances after the death of her husband, Ramesh Yadav, in 1998. Initially associated with RJD, she transitioned to BJP and has had a significant political career, particularly in Jharkhand and Bihar.

Annapurna Devi's entry into politics was marked by her victory in the 1998 Koderma by-election, which she contested following her husband's demise. She served as a member of the Jharkhand and Bihar cabinets and held the position of head of RJD's Jharkhand unit from 2014 to 2019. She won the Lok Sabha elections from Koderma on a BJP ticket and secured a place in Modi's second cabinet as the Deputy Minister of Education.

Annapurna Devi's appointment is seen as a strategic move by BJP, especially with the upcoming Jharkhand assembly elections. Her role is pivotal in garnering support for the party in the state. Annapurna's victory in the Lok Sabha elections, where she defeated her nearest rival by a significant margin, solidified her position as a key OBC leader in Jharkhand.

Smriti Irani, the former Minister of Women and Child Welfare, faced a setback after losing her seat in Amethi to a first-time Congress candidate. This loss has been a significant blow to her and the BJP, leading to a shift in her role within the party.

The new cabinet's composition reflects strategic appointments aimed at strengthening BJP's position in key states. The reduction in women's participation has been noted, but the inclusion of leaders like Annapurna Devi highlights the party's focus on leveraging experienced and influential figures to navigate the political landscape effectively.