Thakur calls on Modi amid talks of Cabinet expansion

Tribune News Service
Shimla, November 21

Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur today called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi and thanked him for visiting Himachal to inaugurate the Global Investors’ Meet.

Various Central government-aided projects were discussed and Thakur requested the PM for speedy approval and support. The latter assured of all possible help. As the CM is in Delhi, speculations are rife that discussions on expansion of Cabinet also took place, but there is no confirmation yet.

The Cabinet expansion is on the cards as two posts are lying vacant. Cabinet minister Anil Sharma quit after his son contested the Lok Sabha poll from Mandi on Congress ticket, while the other post fell vacant after the election of Kishan Kapoor to the Lok Sabha.

The maximum number of ministers permissible is 12, including the Chief Minister. At present, there are 10.

The expansion was first delayed due to bypoll and then investors meet came up. However, sources in the party said that the expansion could be further delayed as organisational elections were to take place and the new state BJP president would be elected by mid-December.