News Brief
Chhattisgarh Cabinet Expansion Expected Before CM Vishnu Deo Sai's Foreign Visit
Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai (File Photo)
Political developments have intensified in Chhattisgarh with Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai expected to expand his cabinet by Monday (18 August).
The move comes just days ahead of his scheduled foreign visit to Japan and South Korea on Thursday (21 August), NDTV reported.
On Saturday (16 August) evening, Sai met Governor Ramen Deka at Raj Bhavan, a meeting that has set off strong speculation that the oath-taking ceremony of new ministers may take place soon.
According to sources cited in the NDTV report, the BJP’s central leadership has given approval for a 14-member cabinet.
Two organisational leaders and one RSS-backed nominee are likely to be included, while existing ministers will continue with their current portfolios, putting to rest earlier rumours of a reshuffle.
With three new inductions, the ministry will reach the permissible strength of 14 under the Constitutional provisions, which allow up to 15 percent of the 90-member Assembly in the council of ministers.
The expansion is being closely watched as it is expected to balance caste equations, consolidate regional representation, and accommodate key party power centres.
Prominent names being considered include Amar Agrawal from Bilaspur, a former three-time minister; Ajay Chandrakar from Raipur; Guru Khushwant Saheb, the Arang MLA; Gajendra Yadav from Durg, seen as having strong RSS backing; and Rajesh Agrawal from Ambikapur, who defeated former Deputy Chief Minister T S Singh Deo and represents the influential Vaishya community.
