On June 11, 2024, senior Karnataka BJP leader Pralhad Joshi officially assumed charge of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution. The ceremonial handover was presided over by outgoing minister Piyush Goyal, with the presence of Ministers of State B.L. Verma and Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya.
Expressing his gratitude, Joshi thanked PM Modi for entrusting him with this critical role. "I am grateful that the Hon’ble Prime Minister has given me the opportunity to serve in this Ministry that is directly related to serving 80 crore Indians," Joshi stated. He highlighted the significance of the PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, a flagship initiative that provides free food grain through the public distribution system, and committed to prioritizing the implementation of activities outlined by his predecessor, Goyal, in the first 100 days of the government.
The event was also attended by key officials, including Sanjeev Chopra, Secretary of the Department of Food and Public Distribution, and Nidhi Khare, Secretary of the Department of Consumer Affairs, alongside senior ministry officers.
Additionally, Joshi has been assigned the portfolio of New & Renewable Energy Minister. A veteran politician, Joshi is a five-time Member of Parliament representing the Dharwad constituency in Karnataka. In the previous cabinet, he managed the Coal, Mines, and Parliamentary Affairs portfolios.
In the recent Lok Sabha elections, Joshi defeated Congress candidate Vinod Assoti in Dharwad with a significant margin of 97,324 votes.
Joshi's extensive experience and dedicated service are expected to bring a renewed focus and vigor to his new roles, with a keen eye on continuing the impactful initiatives of his predecessors while introducing innovative solutions to enhance the welfare of the citizens.
