H.P Govt expands cabinet: Dharmani, Goma sworn as ministers

Himachalscape bureau Published: December 12, 2023 | Updated: December 12, 2023 3 minutes read

H.P Govt expands cabinet: Dharmani, Goma sworn as ministers

Contents

Shimla, Dec 12

In a widely anticipated move, the Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu-led State government of Himachal Pradesh carried out a cabinet expansion this evening, signaling a significant development in the state’s political landscape. The expansion, a subject of speculation for the past year, became a reality as two seasoned members of the legislative assembly were sworn in as cabinet ministers.

Rajesh Dharmani, a four-time MLA from Ghumarwin in Bilaspur district, and Yadvinder Goma from Jaisinghpur in Kangra district took their oaths of office in a ceremony held at the Raj Bhawan, overseen by Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Partap Shukla. This brings the total number of ministers in the state cabinet to eleven, including Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu and Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri.

Though no portfolios have been allocated to the newly inducted ministers, but the move is seen as a strategic effort to balance representation within the Council of Ministers, particularly addressing the underrepresentation of ministers from the largest district, Kangra, which previously had only one cabinet minister among its ten MLAs.

About the New Ministers:

Rajesh Dharmani: Born on April 2, 1972, in Ghumarwin, Bilaspur. Holds a B.Tech in Civil Engineering from NIT Hamirpur and an MBA from IGNOU. A seasoned politician, he has been elected to the State Legislative Assembly three times. Notable positions held include Chief Parliamentary Secretary from 2013 to May 2017.

Special interests include women empowerment, environment protection, and agriculture promotion. Actively involved in social work, he is the founder member of the charitable society ‘Samvedna,’ working for the education of underprivileged students and supporting widows and their children.

Yadvinder Goma: Born on February 4, 1986, in Palampur, Kangra. Holds a B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering and an MBA from IEET Baddi, H.P. A dynamic leader, he served as the President of Youth Congress in Jaisinghpur Constituency. Elected to the State Legislative Assembly in 2012 and re-elected in December 2022.

Special interests include interacting with the masses and providing assistance to those in need.

Noteworthy, that the expansion allows the state to induct three more ministers, keeping the total number within the legislative limit of 12 in the 68-member assembly.

Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena conducted the proceedings. Speaker HP Vidhan Sabha, Kuldeep Singh Pathania, Cabinet Ministers, Chief Parliamentary Secretaries, Principal Advisor (Media) to the Chief Minister Naresh Chauhan, Chairman of various commissions, MLAs, senior Civil and Police officers, family members of newly inducted ministers, and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion amongst others.

Himachalscape bureau

Administrator

The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.

View All Posts

Himachalscape bureau