CM Sukhjinder Singh Sukhu Expands Cabinet Ahead of Winter Session

Shimla, December 18: Chief Minister Sukhjinder Singh Sukhu recently expanded the Cabinet, and the newly appointed ministers are eagerly awaiting the allocation of portfolios. The winter session of the Himachal Pradesh Assembly is set to commence in Dharamshala tomorrow. In this context, both ministers may be assigned departments.

The newly appointed cabinet ministers bring expertise in higher technical education, with Dharamani holding a B.Tech in Civil Engineering from NIT Hamirpur and an MBA from IGNOU. Similarly, Yadavendra Goma holds advanced degrees in Mechanical Engineering.

At present, energy and forest departments are crucial for Chief Minister Sukhu, while food and supply is another significant portfolio he oversees. These three ministries are directly connected to the public. Discussions also hint at the possibility of reshuffling non-performing ministers’ portfolios. Additionally, the position of Deputy Chairman of the Planning Board is vacant.

Chief Minister Sukhu is contemplating strategies to streamline administration in Kangra, while various legislators and unsuccessful Congress stalwarts are lobbying for the Deputy Chairman’s position. The Chief Minister might make important appointments before the Lok Sabha elections.

Notably, Sukhu is keen on strategizing the development of Kangra meticulously. Other large districts, including Shimla, have several deputies handling critical responsibilities in the government.

In the Cabinet, a crucial position remains vacant. The only Congress legislator from Mandi, Chandrashekhar, is likely to be accommodated in the government. A reshuffle in portfolios may lead the Chief Minister to reevaluate his priorities. As the winter session of the Assembly approaches, major changes may be expected in the Cabinet. The fate of the newly appointed ministers and the distribution of portfolios will be closely watched.