Chhattisgarh Cabinet expansion likely soon; several BJP leaders in race

BJP spokesperson Sacchinand Upasane said that the Cabinet expansion will soon take place and the review of work done by incumbent ministers is going on

Published on: Jun 22, 2024, 14:50:15 IST

By Ritesh Mishra

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A Cabinet expansion is likely to take place in Chhattisgarh in the next couple of weeks, a senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader said on Saturday. This will be the first such exercise of this government led by chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai which took oath six months ago. The leader cited above said more than half a dozen BJP leaders are in the race for ministers in the upcoming Cabinet expansion.

Chhattisgarh chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai. (File Photo)

People familiar with the matter said that two incumbent ministers could be replaced and two Cabinet berths would be filled in the process.

“After Brijmohan Agarwal, who was cabinet minister, won the parliamentary elections one cabinet berth is now vacated. On the other hand, one other cabinet berth was not filled since the BJP government was formed last year. Plus, there are talks within the party that two ministers could also be replaced soon. It is possible that they can be replaced in this expansion process,” said a senior BJP leader, preferring anonymity.

The people who are in the race for Cabinet birth are Lata Usandi (MLA Kondagaon), Ajay Chandrakar (MLA Kurud), Kiran Deo (MLA Bastar), Purandar Mishra (MLA Raipur North), Gajendra Yadav (MLA Durg), Khushwant Saheb (MLA Arang) and Rajesh Munat (Raipur East).

Usendi , Chandrakar and Munat were ministers in the Raman Singh government.

“Yadav has strong RSS background and Khushwant Saheb can be given a chance because he is a Satnami and BJP is trying to pacify Satnami community after Baloda Bazar violence,” said another BJP leader. Another Santami MLA Domanlal Korsewada is also in the race, the leader added.

Kiran Deo is MLA Bastar and currently the state BJP chief also has a fair chance, the leader added.

Meanwhile, a third BJP leader said that the organisation is not happy with at least two ministers over their efficiency and controversy hence chances are there that they could be replaced.

“Everything is in the high-command’s court, but the party leadership is not happy with two ministers hence there are chances that they could be replaced. However, things are not very clear yet. The party can also consider geographical representation which means that Raipur, Durg and Bastar could be given a chance in this expansion,” the leader claimed.

BJP spokesperson Sacchinand Upasane said that the Cabinet expansion will soon take place and the review of work done by incumbent ministers is going on.

“The two vacant berths of the Cabinet will be filled and as far as replacement is concerned it is totally up to the CM and the organisation. But it is a fact that review of work done by the ministers in the last six months is going on,” said Upasane.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ritesh Mishra
Ritesh Mishra is the State Correspondent for Chhattisgarh with Hindustan Times. He reports on Maoism, internal security, politics, mining, governance, and major developments shaping the state. Based in Raipur, he has covered Chhattisgarh since 2016, reporting extensively from the Bastar region and other conflict-affected areas. With nearly two decades of experience in journalism, Ritesh has built a reputation for ground reporting from some of India's most challenging terrains. His coverage spans Left-Wing Extremism, counter-insurgency operations, elections, tribal affairs, environmental issues, infrastructure, mining, and socio-economic developments. He has reported on major security operations, policy initiatives, wildlife crime, and the changing dynamics of conflict and development in Central India. Before moving to Chhattisgarh, Ritesh spent eight years reporting from Madhya Pradesh, covering politics, administration, crime, development, and social issues. Throughout his career, he has reported on various forms of extremism in Central India, combining field reporting with in-depth analysis to produce accurate, balanced, and impactful journalism. Prior to joining Hindustan Times, Ritesh worked with The Pioneer and The Free Press Journal, where he covered a wide range of beats and honed his skills in political, investigative, and field reporting. His reporting is marked by exclusive stories, extensive fieldwork, and a commitment to factual, on-the-ground journalism that brings complex issues to a wider audience.Read More

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