How will the Himachal cabinet shape up?
What's the story
After Jai Ram Thakur was named Himachal's CM, speculations have on about his possible cabinet.
Himachal will perhaps have a total of 11 ministers, excluding the CM.
Thakur has claimed that "The cabinet will have both experienced and new faces." But, his real test will be adjusting the bigwigs without displeasing their clique.
So, let's look at how the Himachal cabinet could shape up.
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What could be Thakur's new cabinet?
Thakur's cabinet may comprise of former cabinet ministers Rajeev Bindal, Kishan Kapoor, Sarveen Chaudhary, Mohinder Singh, Narinder Bragta and Ramesh Dhawala along with Congress rebel Anil Sharma. The new faces could include Gobind Thakur, Vikram Jaryal, Rakesh Pathania and Rajeev Sahjal.
Significance
What is the significance of these names?
Thakur would walk a fine line in balancing caste, region and seniority.
Kapoor (from the tribal Gaddi community) and Dhawala (OBC), belonging to the all-important Kangra district, will surely be included. Chaudhary will be the cabinet's lone woman.
Narender Thakur, BJP stalwart Jagdev Thakur's son, maybe considered as he is regarded as a big name in Hamirpur after former CM Prem Kumar Dhumal.
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Proximity to major players will also be an important factor
Kapoor and Dhawala have veteran leader Shanta Kumar's support. Rakesh Pathania is close to union minister JP Nadda. Virender Kanwar, who has state BJP chief Satpal Singh Satti's support might be considered. From Mandi, Thakur's home-ground, senior leader Mahender Singh may get a ministerial berth.
Governance priority
Meanwhile, what are Thakur's top priorities?
Meanwhile, five-time legislator Thakur, an active ABVP/RSS member, is considered clean, humble and low-profile.
So, what are his top priorities? Thakur plans to restore law and order, get rid of VIP culture and develop infrastructure. Obviously, he plans to review decisions of the previous Congress government also.
He will be sworn-in on December 27, in PM Modi's and BJP president Amit Shah's presence.