Chhattisgarh Cabinet Expands to Historic 14: Gajendra Yadav, Rajesh Agrawal and Guru Khushwant Saheb Sworn In as Ministers
Raipur
In a historic expansion of the Chhattisgarh cabinet, three newly elected ministers took oath on Wednesday, raising the strength of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai’s council of ministers to 14 for the first time in the state’s political history.
Governor Ramen Deka administered the oath of office and secrecy to Gajendra Yadav, Rajesh Agrawal, and Guru Khushwant Saheb at the Chhattisgarh Mandapam of Raj Bhavan at 10:30 a.m. The swearing-in ceremony was attended by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, Deputy Chief Ministers Arun Sao and Vijay Sharma, Assembly Speaker Dr. Raman Singh, cabinet colleagues, legislators, senior bureaucrats, and other dignitaries.
Congratulating the new ministers, Chief Minister Sai said that the government is committed to fulfilling the aspirations of the people through collective effort and unwavering dedication. He expressed confidence that the three new ministers, along with their cabinet colleagues, would serve the people with sincerity, efficiency, and devotion, thereby scripting a “golden chapter of development and good governance” in Chhattisgarh.
“The newly appointed ministers will work with commitment and integrity towards public service. With their contribution, Chhattisgarh will scale new dimensions of growth and transparency in governance. I extend my best wishes for their successful tenure,” Sai remarked.
The induction of Yadav, Agrawal, and Saheb marks a significant political development, further strengthening the Sai government’s cabinet team. The move is seen as part of a broader strategy to ensure inclusive governance and representation across regions and communities.
With this expansion, the Sai-led cabinet now has its full strength of 14 ministers, marking a new milestone in the state’s governance structure.
Profiles
Gajendra Yadav
Born in 1978, son of late Bisram (Bisra Ram) Yadav, a prominent RSS leader of Chhattisgarh. Completed Master’s degree (2003) from Pandit Ravi Shankar Shukla University. Emerged from a farming and business family in Durg City, marked by student activism and RSS organizational work. Became the youngest Councillor in undivided Madhya Pradesh. Served as State Chief Commissioner of Bharat Scouts and Guides, received award from President Pranab Mukherjee (2016).
Held responsibilities in BJP as State Minister (Kisan Morcha), Vice President (OBC Morcha). In 2023 Assembly elections, contested from Durg City (Congress bastion dominated by Vora family) and registered a landslide win over Arun Vora by 48,697 votes (secured 97,906 votes, 63.89% against 32.11%).
As MLA (since Dec 2023), recorded 95.8% attendance (state avg 89.9%), raised 23 questions (state avg 79). His induction as minister (Aug 2025) reflects his rapid rise, RSS support, and role in strengthening OBC representation in government.
Rajesh Agrawal
Born in 1966 in Ambikapur, Surguja district. Son of late Chandi Ram Agrawal, from a business-oriented Marwari family. After Class 10 (1983), entered local politics. Lost Nagar Panchayat Chairman election (2009) by one vote, won in 2014 (Congress). Left Congress in 2017 after conflict with T.S. Singh Deo, joined BJP.
Rose in Surguja BJP, contested Ambikapur Assembly (2023) against Deputy CM T.S. Singh Deo. Achieved a dramatic victory by 94 votes (Agrawal 90,780, Singh Deo 90,686).
Declared net worth ₹10.07 crore (Immovable ₹2.84 crore, Movable ₹7.23 crore). Annual income ₹36.8 lakh, liabilities ₹2.64 crore. His win broke Congress dominance in Ambikapur, showcasing BJP’s strategy and his grassroots support.
Guru Khushwant Saheb
Born on 27 March 1989, from Arang, Raipur district. Son of Satnami leader Guru Baldas Saheb. Completed M.Tech (2017) from MATS University, Raipur. Left Congress (2023), joined BJP, contested from Arang (SC) constituency. Defeated veteran Congress minister Shivkumar Dahariya by 16,538 votes (Saheb 94,039, Dahariya 77,501).
Declared assets ₹2.1 crore (Movable ₹1.2 crore, Immovable ₹85.5 lakh), liabilities ₹1.25 crore, annual income ₹9.1 lakh. No criminal cases. Represents Satnami stronghold Arang.
Appointed Vice-Chairman, State SC Development Authority (Sep 2024). Given Cabinet Minister status (Jan 2025). Warm welcome with chants of “Guru Khushwant Saheb zindabad!”.
Faced stone attack (mid-2025) in Bemetara, suffered minor injuries, condemned by his father as a threat to Satnami community.
