Punjab Newsline | Shimla
Amid long-running speculation over a cabinet expansion in Himachal Pradesh, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has given a strong indication that Sundar Singh Thakur will soon be sworn in as a cabinet minister. The Chief Minister also suggested that a cabinet expansion and reshuffle of departments could take place shortly.
Addressing a gathering at Chowda Maidan in Shimla, Sukhu said that a decision on the cabinet expansion would be taken after a meeting of the Political Affairs Committee. However, he added that if approval for Thakur’s induction is received, his swearing-in could take place even before the committee meeting is held. The date for the meeting has not yet been finalised.
This is not the first time the Chief Minister has publicly indicated Thakur’s inclusion in the cabinet. A few days ago, Sukhu had made a similar announcement from a public platform, further fuelling speculation that the senior Congress leader is set to join the state ministry soon.
Under the constitutional limit, Himachal Pradesh can have a maximum of 12 ministers, including the Chief Minister. When the Sukhu government was formed, eight ministers were initially inducted. Later, Rajesh Dharmani and Yadvinder Goma were added to the cabinet. Despite these additions, one cabinet berth has remained vacant for a considerable period, keeping the possibility of an expansion open.
The latest statement from the Chief Minister has intensified political discussions in the state, with attention now focused on the timing of Thakur’s swearing-in and the possible reshuffle of ministerial portfolios.
