Being shifted from law ministry is not a punishment, says Kiran Rijiju

New Delhi: Kiren Rijiju, who was removed as Law Minister on Thursday, took charge as Earth Sciences Minister on Friday.

He thanked PM Modi for the opportunity to handle various portfolios. He clarified that the shift is not a punishment but the plan of the government. "This is the vision of PM Modi." The BP leader also said that the Opposition will definitely criticise him. "Opposition speaking against me is not a new thing."

When asked whether he was removed as law minister for his frequent run-ins with the judiciary, he said: "Don't ask questions related to the previous ministry as they are no longer relevant."

"For the last 4 days — The BJP has had a meltdown like never before. The nosey parkers have been more interested in our affairs than some much recommended self introspection. But there is pin drop silence on why was @KirenRijiju shunted out of Law Ministry. What went wrong? Did the loudmouth put executive and judiciary at warpath? Given his habitual lying and penchant for distorting history, heading the ₹2 troll ministry would have been a good option as well! Mr Modi, worth considering :)" tweeted Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate on the matter.

Kiren Rijiju has made several controversial statements like some retired judges are part of the 'anti-India' gang. He has been in disagreement with judges.

Arjun Ram Meghwal is the new law minister.