The names for the proposed Cabinet expansion in Madhya Pradesh have been finalised and the list will now be sent to New Delhi for final approval from the party high command.
Among others, former minister Archana Chitnis, tribal face Ramlal Rautel, former MP Jaibhan Singh Pavaiya and first timer Vishawas Sarang are sure to get berths in the Cabinet.
CM Chouhan finalised the names after discussion with party MP in-charge Vinay Sahashtrabudhe, organisational general secretary Suhas Bhagat and state head Nandkumar Singh Chauhan.
Party MP chief Chauhan had made it clear that the organisation has given free hand to CM Chouhan for expanding his team. “The party would offer suggestions as and when required,” Chauhan told media persons on Monday.
Besides, names of senior leaders including Nanabhau Mahod, Om Prakash Saklecha, Sudarshan Gupta, Rustam Singh, Om Prakash Dhurve and others too were in contention for the berth in the Cabinet.
However, CM Chouhan eyeing party base across social spectrum wants Jagdish Devda from SC community, Narayan Singh Kushwah from Gwalior and Ramlal Rautel from tribal community.
CM is expected to leave for New Delhi to meet party chief Amit Shah for seeking approval and would meet Governor Ramnaresh Yadav afterwards.
Ministries of several burdened ministers could be taken away as the Cabinet expansion has been pending for over two-and-half-years now. However, eyeing 2018 Assembly polls, CM Chauhan now wishes to appease various sections in the party.
Several senior ministers were to be axed but the plan was dropped at the eleventh hour as the party high command vetoed the move from the state unit.
Meanwhile, the Governor Ramnaresh Yadav recuperating at Bansal hospital is expected to be discharged on Wednesday. Besides, preparations for some big function are also underway in Rajbhawan.