Dehradun: Uttarakhand is again buzzing with speculation about a cabinet expansion. The discussions have intensified after Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami’s recent visit to Delhi, sparking hopes of new ministerial appointments ahead of the 2027 assembly elections.
Central Leadership Seeks Report Cards From MLAs
Sources say the central BJP leadership has asked MLAs to submit “report cards” as part of the process for considering new cabinet members. Any major changes, including filling long-vacant ministerial posts, are expected only after approval from the central leadership.
Five Cabinet Posts Remain Vacant
The Uttarakhand government should have 11 cabinet ministers, including the Chief Minister. However, only six ministers are currently serving, leaving five positions vacant. With about a year left in the government’s term, there is rising anticipation that some MLAs may be given ministerial roles before the elections.
Over the past year and a half, discussions about expanding the cabinet have grown each time CM Dhami visited Delhi. Though expansion was speculated multiple times, it did not happen. This time, however, active involvement of MLAs in Delhi has made the talks more serious.
Three BJP MLAs Meet CM Dhami in Delhi
During the inauguration ceremony of BJP National President Nitin Naveen, three Uttarakhand BJP MLAs met CM Dhami. They were Umesh Sharma Kau (Raipur), Mahesh Jina (Salt), and Durgeshwar Lal (Purola). This meeting has strengthened expectations of a cabinet reshuffle.
A high-level meeting is scheduled at the BJP headquarters in Delhi on Wednesday. All Uttarakhand BJP MLAs, ministers, senior leaders, and other key figures will attend. The agenda includes election strategy planning and possibly filling vacant ministerial positions.
Political Circles Link Meeting to Cabinet Expansion
While some party leaders say the meeting is meant for coordination after the new national president took office, political analysts believe the real purpose could be to finalise cabinet expansion plans in Uttarakhand ahead of the 2027 elections.