Nirmala Sitharaman is new defence minister, Piyush Goyal gets railways

WION Web Team

New Delhi, Delhi, IndiaUpdated: Sep 03, 2017, 03:28 PM IST

Nirmala Sitharaman was elevated to cabinet rank in the reshuffle of the union cabinet today. Photograph:(Reuters)

Nirmala Sitharaman, who was elevated to Cabinet rank today, will be the country's new defence minister.

Piyush Goyal, who was also promoted to Cabinet minister, has been allocated the railway portfolio.

Have to prove & perform to satisfy the goals which are expected of me. In all probability, it(taking charge) will be on Sept 6: N Sitharaman pic.twitter.com/17EjjA1UQz
— ANI (@ANI) September 3, 2017

It is very big responsibility. To me, very overwhelming day, just can't express my feelings: newly appointed Defence Min Nirmala Sitharaman pic.twitter.com/JnlvEMdQqD
— ANI (@ANI) September 3, 2017

"It is a very big responsibility," said Sitharaman. "Very overwhelming day. Just can't express my feeling," said Sitharaman.

She will be the country's second woman defence minister -- Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had also acted as defence minister on two occasions.

Finance minister Arun Jaitley had been holding additional charge of defence after Manohar Parrikar moved to his home state Goa as chief minister.

It is a case where a minister performs well and earns a higher responsibility for herself (Nirmala Sitharaman): Union Min Arun Jaitley pic.twitter.com/QQRn5Dxe6I
— ANI (@ANI) September 3, 2017

Prime Minister has set the bar very high. It's clear that he is very closely monitoring performance of each ministry &individual: A Jaitley
— ANI (@ANI) September 3, 2017

Very excellent, well thought out decision. Nirmala is very analytical, deep thinking, hard working & very knowledgeable: Manohar Parrikar pic.twitter.com/pFJD6cXN64
— ANI (@ANI) September 3, 2017

Goyal will replace Suresh Prabhu who had offered to resign in the wake of a string of train accidents.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi however had asked him to "wait".

Prabhu meanwhile will take over as the new commerce minister.

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