In a significant political development, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has expanded his cabinet, inducting three Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLAs as ministers. The strategic move comes just months before the state assembly elections scheduled for later this year.
The oath of office as ministers was administered by Governor Mangubhai Patel to the three legislators at the Raj Bhavan on a Saturday morning. The newly inducted ministers include Gauri Shankar Bisen, Rajendra Shukla, and Rahul Lodhi.
Gauri Shankar Bisen, a former agriculture minister, is a seven-time MLA from Balaghat and serves as the chairman of the MP Backward Class Commission. His recent organization of a Ram Katha in Balaghat garnered significant attention and played a role in advocating for his inclusion in the cabinet.
Rajendra Shukla, a former minister and Brahmin leader, has a notable political presence as a four-time MLA from Rewa. His inclusion in the cabinet is seen as a step to manage complex issues and ensure broader representation.
Rahul Lodhi, a BJP MLA from Khargapur, Tikamgarh, is entering the council of ministers for the first time. As the nephew of former chief minister Uma Bharti, Lodhi’s inclusion is strategic, aimed at addressing concerns raised by influential constituencies.
The cabinet expansion holds strategic significance as it seeks to address various political dynamics in the state. Rajendra Shukla’s inclusion is viewed as a means to manage Brahmin sentiments, especially following a controversial incident involving Pravesh Shukla. Additionally, Rahul Lodhi’s induction aims to appease Uma Bharti, who has expressed criticism of the state government on different issues.
The expansion brings the total number of ministers in the CM Chouhan-led cabinet to 34. The move is seen as an effort to quell internal party tensions, accommodate different constituencies, and fortify the BJP’s position in the upcoming state elections.
As the state gears up for the polls, this cabinet expansion is being closely watched for its potential impact on the political landscape. The inclusion of diverse leaders from various backgrounds underscores the party’s determination to address different concerns and enhance its prospects in the elections.
While the BJP highlights this move as a strategic effort to ensure unity and inclusivity, the opposition, including the Congress, has interpreted the expansion as a sign of apprehension. The political rhetoric leading up to the elections promises to be intense, with the focus shifting to the strategies and moves of the competing parties.
Sources By Agencies
