The issue of filling the four ministerial posts lying vacant in the Dhami cabinet is again in discussion. It is believed that the Dhami cabinet may be expanded after the civic elections. There is a discussion in the corridors of power that some time ago the central leadership of the BJP had sought a report on the work of the ministers. In such a situation, there is a possibility of change in the existing cabinet or reshuffle in the departments of some ministers on the basis of performance. When Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami was sworn in for the second time in March 2022, three ministerial posts were kept vacant in his cabinet. According to the constitutional obligation, there can be only 12 ministers including the Chief Minister in the state cabinet. It was then decided that three ministerial posts would be filled later. Meanwhile, another ministerial post became vacant due to the death of Cabinet Minister Chandan Ram Das. Although, there have been discussions about the expansion of the cabinet many times, but it has been postponed due to various reasons. Especially during the Chief Minister’s Delhi visit, the topic of cabinet expansion often resonates. Although, the size of the cabinet and who to make a minister is the prerogative of the Chief Minister, but voices have been raised from the organization level to fill the vacant posts. It is discussed that some time ago the central leadership of BJP had sought a report from the state leadership regarding the work of the ministers of the government. It has been sent to the central leadership. Due to this, the topic of reshuffle and expansion of the cabinet has come to the center of discussion. At present, municipal elections are going on in the state and the election code of conduct is in force in hundred cities. The counting of votes of the civic elections is to be held from January 25, which can go on till January 27 and till then the code of conduct will also be in force. In such a situation, it is believed that the cabinet can be expanded after the civic elections are over. Amidst this scenario, the hopes of the contenders for the ministerial post have also started rising.
