23 June 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : Political speculation intensified on Tuesday after Union Minister George Kurian resigned from the Union Council of Ministers following the end of his Rajya Sabha term, while fellow minister Ravneet Singh Bittu continues in the Cabinet despite his Rajya Sabha tenure ending on the same day.
George Kurian Resigns
President Droupadi Murmu accepted George Kurian’s resignation from the Union Council of Ministers after the completion of his Rajya Sabha term on June 21. Kurian had not been renominated to the Upper House by the BJP.
Why Attention Is On Ravneet Bittu
Like Kurian, Ravneet Bittu’s Rajya Sabha term from Rajasthan also ended on June 21, and he too was not renominated by the BJP during the recent Rajya Sabha elections. However, unlike Kurian, Bittu has not been asked to step down from the Union Council of Ministers.
This has sparked widespread discussion in political circles about whether the BJP leadership intends to retain him in the Cabinet and possibly find another route for him to continue in Parliament.
Punjab Political Calculations
Observers believe Bittu’s political importance in Punjab could be a key factor behind the decision.
As a prominent Sikh face of the BJP and a former MP from Ludhiana, Bittu is considered strategically important for the party ahead of the Punjab Assembly elections scheduled next year. Removing him from the Cabinet at this stage may send an unfavorable political message in the state.
Cabinet Reshuffle Buzz
Speculation about a possible Union Cabinet reshuffle has been circulating since the BJP omitted both Bittu and Kurian from its Rajya Sabha candidate list earlier this month. The exclusion of the two ministers triggered discussions about potential changes in the Modi government.
Constitutional Position
Under the Constitution, a minister can continue in office for six months without being a member of either House of Parliament. This gives the government time to explore options for Bittu to enter Parliament again through a Rajya Sabha seat or a Lok Sabha election if it chooses to retain him.
What Happens Next?
For now, there has been no official announcement regarding Bittu’s future in the Cabinet. His continuation while Kurian has exited has only strengthened speculation that the BJP leadership may have a separate political plan for the Punjab leader.
Key Takeaway
George Kurian has resigned from the Union Cabinet after his Rajya Sabha term ended, but Ravneet Bittu remains a minister despite his term also ending on June 21. The development has fueled speculation that the BJP intends to retain Bittu because of his political significance in Punjab ahead of upcoming elections.