Bhopal: The Madhya Pradesh cabinet has expanded with the induction of three new ministers, namely Rajendra Shukla from Rewa, Gaurishankar Bisen from Balaghat, and Rahul Lodhi from Khargapur.
The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Raj Bhavan, with the Chief Minister and senior BJP leaders in attendance. With these additions, Chief Minister Chouhan’s cabinet now comprises a total of 33 members.
The newly appointed ministers will have a limited timeframe of about six weeks to carry out their duties before the announcement of election dates triggers the enforcement of the model code of conduct.
Rajendra Shukla, a four-time MLA from Rewa, represents the Vindhya region. In the 2018 elections, the BJP secured a notable victory in this region by winning 24 out of 30 seats.
Rahul Lodhi, hailing from the Mahakaushal region, is the nephew of former Chief Minister Uma Bharti. In the 2018 elections, the Congress claimed 24 seats in this region, whereas the BJP secured 13 seats. Lodhi’s inclusion as a minister is expected to bolster the party’s presence in the region prior to the upcoming election.
Gaurishankar Bisen, a veteran BJP leader, and a seven-time MLA from Balaghat, had expressed his desire for a cabinet position. His inclusion is significant as it can help strengthen the party’s foothold in the Mahakaushal region.
बालाघाट विधानसभा क्षेत्र से विधायक श्री @GauriShankarMP व रीवा से विधायक श्री @rshuklabjp ने कैबिनेट मंत्री एवं खरगापुर से विधायक श्री @rahul_mla ने मध्य प्रदेश सरकार में राज्य मंत्री पद की शपथ ग्रहण की। pic.twitter.com/zCkShSbSG6
— BJP MadhyaPradesh (@BJP4MP) August 26, 2023
The new ministers join the cabinet with a mandate to contribute positively to the state’s development and governance amid the forthcoming electoral context.