The cabinet expansion of the Rajasthan government is scheduled to take place on Saturday. Sources said that the oath ceremony will take place at 3.15 pm at the Governor House. Official confirmation is awaited.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma has been summoned to Delhi to discuss the final lineup of the minister.
According to sources, 20-22 ministers are likely to swear-in. Of these 70 per cent are likely to be fresh faces while six to seven experienced ministers are likely to take oath. Sources said that the cabinet will have even representation of every caste and community.
“Till now Gurjar, Jat and Meena communities have not been given any representation. We will see cabinet ministers from these communities along with a few more belonging to scheduled caste,” sources said.
The Rajasthan cabinet has one Rajput, Diya Kumari, and one scheduled caste, Prem Chand Bairwa, as deputy chief ministers. “Among general caste, one Rajput and one from Vysya community can be given cabinet rank,” sources said.
The cabinet will be formed keeping in mind the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections. BJP had won all the 25 seats in Rajasthan in last year including one of Hanuman Beniwal's RLD, who fought as an ally of BJP.
“A balance of caste and experience is needed. The performance of the initial 100 days will be the ground for success in the Lok Sabha elections. The government will run under the tight supervision of the centre,” sources said.
Senior leaders like Kirodi Lal Meena and Kalicharan Saraf are expecting good portfolios. Among senior leaders, Anita Bhadel is also likely to get a berth in the cabinet.
“Looking at the cabinet formation of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, it is difficult to predict the team. However, new faces can spring a surprise. Representation from Shekhawati where the party could not do well is also expected,” said a senior leader.
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