Speculation over the date of the Cabinet reshuffle has remained just that -- speculation -- with almost no details emerging when Prime Minister Narendra Modi will institute key changes in the portfolios held by his ministers.

What we can tell you is this -- sources in Rashtrapati Bhavan have not received any message about the Cabinet reshuffle. Reports in a couple of newspapers said that the reshuffle was expected to take place at noon today, but sources in the PMO are also keeping their cards close to their chest.

More importantly, what we can tell you is that a BJP source, a close confidante of party president Amit Shah has indicated that astrologically, the new council of ministers is likely to be sworn in on Monday, July 4 at 11 am.

And this is why it could be true.

For a Union Cabinet shuffle or expansion, the  Rashtrapati Bhavan needs a notice of at least 48 to 72 hours for logistic reasons, an official spokesperson of Rashtrapati Bhavan tells Rediff.com.

Till such time the Prime Minister's  Office (PMO) officialy informs the Rashtrapati Bhavan in writing about the date of the investiture ceremony, talk about a Cabinet reshuffle will only remain a rumour, a PMO source tells Rediff.com.

The decision on the date is based on astrology including the availability of President Pranab Mukherjee and Vice President Hamid Ansari and incumbent Union Ministers and designates to travel for the ceremony to New Delhi.

In fact, the inside story of what really happens ahead of a Cabinet Reshuffle at Rashtrapati Bhavan makes for an interesting read.

To carry out a Cabinet expansion or reshuffle and organise a smooth swearing-in ceremony  involves massive preparations in the President's residence.

First and foremost is to get the six to eight wings of the President's estate up and working, for instance the airconditioning unit for Ashoka Hall running. The grand room (originally the Ball Room of the Viceroys) is now used for holding ceremonial functions. However, it needs at least eight hours for the airconditioning to cool the room.

Another important activity that the Rashtrapati Bhavan is tasked with is printing invitation cards for the invitees, which needs a notice of eight hours.

And then there is the catering department to be given a heads up. They have to prepare a menu, organise the cooking, baking and making of 500 to 750 mini samosas, dhoklas, mithais, coffee and tea. A Rashtrapati Bhavan source told Rediff.com that sometimes the catering is outsourced, but to decide the caterer also needs time. Freshness of the food, the taste and size of the portions all undergo a standard operating procedure.

The Central Public Works Department of the Rashtrapati Bhavan has a flower unit which has 20 to 25 gardeners. They too have to be given a heads up to pick, choose, and decorate the flowers picked from the from Mughal Gardens of the Rashtrapati Bhavan. There are flowers  at the dais of the swearing-in ceremony dias , the visitors  room, and such minute details take time to be organised.

Which means if the reshuffle takes place on Monday, there is the requisite time to make the preparations.

-- R Rajagopalan/Rediff.com