Arjun Meghwal takes charge as Union law Minister replacing Rijiju

Arunachal Pradesh:  In a surprising turn of events today, Kiren Rijiju was removed as Union Law Minister and replaced by Arjun Ram Meghwal, an unexpected change in government just a year before national elections indicated.

Kiren Rijiju, widely recognized as one of the government’s most prominent ministers and a skilled trouble-shooter, has been reassigned to the relatively low-profile Ministry of Earth Sciences.
The move comes less than a year after his promotion to the law ministry with cabinet rank, underscoring the unexpected nature of the reshuffle.

Arjun Ram Meghwal, who was earlier the Minister of State in charge of Parliamentary Affairs, will now hold the additional charge of independent charge of the Law Ministry.
It should be noted that this is the first time in recent history that the Law Minister will not hold a cabinet position.

The change was announced this morning in a brief statement issued by the Presidency, citing advice from the Prime Minister.

Shortly after the announcement, Rijiju updated his Twitter bio to reflect the new development.

In 2015, Rijiju courted controversy when he allegedly commented that he eats beef.

“I eat beef, I am from Arunachal Pradesh, can anyone stop me? So let us not quibble about anyone’s conduct,” a newspaper quoted Rijiju as saying.

However, the Union Minister clarified that he was “misquoted”.