The countdown has begun for the Cabinet expansion in Rajasthan. Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma’s cabinet may be expanded by Wednesday evening. Once the date is officially announced, preparations will begin at Raj Bhawan for the swearing-in ceremony. It is expected to take place on Wednesday, but if any issues arise, the ceremony may be delayed.
If the Madhya Pradesh formula of cabinet expansion is followed, mostly new faces may be given ministerial posts, with only a few old faces being inducted into the cabinet. Only two MLAs who were previously MPs could be given ministerial assignments. In total, 18-20 ministers may be administered oaths. CM Sharma, Dy CM Diya Kumari, and Dy CM Dr. Premchand Bairwa have already taken oaths on December 15.
State BJP chief CP Joshi has already said that there would be a small cabinet. Given the strength of ministers in MP, Rajasthan may also see a good number of ministers taking oaths. Only 5-7 posts will be left vacant. All leaders, including CP Joshi, are likely to reach Jaipur on Tuesday. Those who are to be made ministers will be phoned.
According to Raj Bhawan sources, the ceremony may take place around 3 pm or 4 pm. The high command will send the list of ministers. The portfolios will also be allocated soon after the cabinet expansion. Both Dy CMs are without portfolios, and they might be given key departments.
The possible names to be inducted into the cabinet include Vishwanath Meghwal, Sandeep Sharma, Jogeshwar Garg, Kirodi Lal Meena, Madan Dilawar, Shrichand Kriplani, Jitendra Gothwal, Kanhaiya Lal, Kuldeep Dhankhar, Amritlal Meena, Joraram Kumawat, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, Jaswant Singh Yadav or Balak Nath Yadav, Siddhi Kumari, Dr. Manju, Pushpendra Singh Ranawat, Anita Bhadel, Subhash Meel, Gajendra Singh Kheeswar, and Harlal Saran.