Himachal cabinet expanded for second time

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal Thursday expanded his council of ministers by inducting Khimi Ram, a former state BJP unit chief, as a cabinet minister. He was allocated the forests and tribal development portfolios.

With the induction of Ram, a two-time legislator from Banjar in Kullu, the total number of ministers has risen to 12, including the chief minister, in the 68-member assembly.

Khimi Ram was administered the oath of office by Governor Urmila Singh at a simple ceremony at the Raj Bhavan.

“Many BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) leaders couldn’t participate in the ceremony as it was held at a very short notice,” Dhumal told reporters on being asked about a number of legislators not being present.

This is the second expansion of the cabinet since December, 2007 when the BJP came to power.

Assembly polls will be held in Himachal Pradesh towards the end of this year.