Raipur. The much-anticipated cabinet expansion of the Vishnu Deo Sai-led Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Chhattisgarh appears imminent, with senior party leaders arriving in Raipur to finalize the ministerial lineup. According to sources, BJP Organisation Secretary Shiv Prakash and Chhattisgarh in-charge Nitin Nabin are expected to reach Raipur on Tuesday, carrying the proverbial “envelope” containing the names of the new cabinet ministers.
This development follows months of internal deliberations and speculation within the state BJP unit. The current Chhattisgarh cabinet comprises Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and 10 ministers. Initially, Sai and 11 ministers had taken the oath of office after the BJP’s victory in the 2023 assembly elections. However, the cabinet strength reduced after senior leader Brijmohan Agrawal resigned from his post upon being elected as the Member of Parliament from Raipur in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
The existing vacancy, along with the BJP’s intent to strengthen its governance machinery, has intensified talks of a cabinet reshuffle. Party insiders reveal that several prominent MLAs are in contention for ministerial positions. Among the frontrunners are Gajendra Yadav, the MLA from Durg known for his grassroots appeal; Amar Agrawal, a seasoned leader with strong organizational roots; and Rajesh Munat, a former minister with significant administrative experience. Adding further intrigue is Prandar Mishra, a first-time MLA, whose potential inclusion would reflect the party’s effort to blend youth with experience.
Political analysts view the impending expansion as a strategic move to reinforce the Sai government’s image ahead of upcoming local body elections and to solidify BJP’s hold on the state. While an official announcement is yet to be made, political circles in Raipur are abuzz with anticipation. The cabinet reshuffle could be unveiled as early as this week, potentially reshaping Chhattisgarh’s administrative framework and signaling the BJP’s broader political roadmap for the state.
