Chhattisgarh Urban Body Elections: Reservation Process Rescheduled to January 7, 2025, Cabinet Expansion Likely Before MCC

Raipur
Further delay to municipal elections in Chhattisgarh, the reservation process scheduled for December 27 has been postponed to January 7, 2025. This delay implies that the implementation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) is also likely to be enforced after January 7.
The MCC is expected to be enforced for both municipal and panchayat elections. The sudden rescheduling of the reservation process on Thursday has fuelled speculations of a potential cabinet expansion before January 7. Reports suggest that two to three new ministers may take oath before the MCC comes into effect.
According to experts, even after completing the reservation process on January 7, several tasks remain for the Election Commission. These include addressing objections, ensuring security arrangements, and organizing ballot papers or EVMs. The Commission will announce the election dates only after these steps are completed.
\Possibility of New Cabinet Ministers Before MCC Enforcement
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is currently appointing new presidents for its mandals and districts. Following these organizational changes, the government may introduce new faces in its cabinet. The rescheduling of the reservation process provides additional time for both the government and the BJP to make these decisions.

\Discussion on Haryana Formula for Cabinet Expansion
Speculation is rife about implementing the “Haryana Formula” for cabinet expansion in Chhattisgarh. According to sources, if this formula is adopted, the state may see a total of 14 ministers, including the Chief Minister, for the first time. While BJP leaders have refrained from official comments, internal discussions are ongoing.
In Haryana, which also has 90 assembly seats like Chhattisgarh, the cabinet includes 13 ministers in addition to the Chief Minister. Currently, Chhattisgarh has 10 ministers along with the Chief Minister, with two ministerial positions vacant.
As per the constitutional provision, up to 15% of the total assembly seats can hold ministerial positions. For Chhattisgarh, this translates to 13.5 positions, allowing room for the addition of three more ministers.