Suresh Prabhu Named Commerce Minister, Bids Farewell to Railways

Suresh Prabhu was appointed the Minister of Commerce, with Piyush Goyal taking over as the new Railways minister.

Suresh Prabhu was appointed the Minister of Commerce, in the 3 September Cabinet rejig, with Piyush Goyal taking over as the new Railways minister (along with the Coal ministry).

Earlier, Prabhu took to Twitter to thank the Railways ministry for their support, fuelling speculation that he would be handed another portfolio in the rejig.

Congrats to all members of #TeamModi for new responsibility.Making our conuntry better is our common mission.#NewIndia #cabinetreshuffle

— Suresh Prabhu (@sureshpprabhu) September 3, 2017

Thanks to all 13 Lacs+ rail family for their support,love,goodwill.I will always cherish these memories with me.Wishing u all a great life

— Suresh Prabhu (@sureshpprabhu) September 3, 2017

In August, Prabhu had offered to resign as Railways minister, following back-to-back derailment mishaps. At the time, PM Modi asked him to wait.

I met the Hon'ble Prime Minister @narendramodi taking full moral responsibility. Hon’ble PM has asked me to wait. (5/5)

— Suresh Prabhu (@sureshpprabhu) August 23, 2017

I am extremely pained by the unfortunate accidents, injuries to passengers and loss of precious lives. It has caused me deep anguish (4/5)

— Suresh Prabhu (@sureshpprabhu) August 23, 2017

On 23 August, Prabhu tweeted that in less that three years of his ministership, he had “devoted his blood and sweat for the betterment of the Railways”.

In less than three years as Minister, I have devoted my blood and sweat for the betterment of the Railways (1/5)

— Suresh Prabhu (@sureshpprabhu) August 23, 2017

Prabhu said that he had worked to “overcome decades of neglect” in the Railways ministry.

Undr leadership of PM, tried 2 overcome decades of neglect thru systemic reforms in all areas leading 2 unprecedented investment& milestones

— Suresh Prabhu (@sureshpprabhu) August 23, 2017