3 new ministers inducted in Chhattisgarh cabinet expansion

RAIPUR: In the first expansion of the 18-month-old BJP government in Chhattisgarh after it stormed to power for third consecutive time in 2013, three new ministers were today inducted into the Raman Singh-led Cabinet, taking the strength to 13.

Governor Balramji Das Tandon administered oath of office and secrecy to MLAs Bhaiyalal Rajwade, Dayaldas Baghel and Mahesh Gagda at 11 AM in Darbar Hall of Raj Bhawan here.

State Assembly Speaker Gaurishankar Agrawal, Chief Minister Raman Singh, his council of ministers, Chief Secretary Vivek Dhand and other officials were present on the occasion.

With the expansion, the strength of Raman Singh's Cabinet has now reached 13.

Gagda, the two-time MLA from insurgency-hit Bijapur constituency, is the party's young face from Bastar.

Baghel, the MLA from Navagarh reserved constituency, has been reintroduced into the Cabinet. The prominent scheduled caste leader was Commerce and Industry minister in the previous Raman Singh government.

Party veteran Rajwade, the second time MLA from Baikunthpur seat, was parliamentary secretary in the previous government.

There was no clarity as yet on the portfolios to be allotted to the new ministers, a senior party leader said adding that their departments will be announced today itself.

The portfolios like forest, sports and youth welfare, and law, which are presently with the Chief Minister, are likely to be assigned to the new ministers, he said.