Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami is set to visit New Delhi tomorrow to meet senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders and seek approval for the long-awaited expansion of his cabinet. This was confirmed by the state unit BJP president Mahendra Bhatt on Wednesday. The move comes amid increasing speculation that the induction of new ministers could take place soon to fill the five vacant ministerial berths in the state government.
Our correspondent reports that four cabinet posts have remained unfilled since the formation of the Dhami government, while one position fell vacant recently after former Parliamentary Affairs Minister Premchand Aggarwal resigned. The expansion is expected to bring a balance of regional representation and strengthen governance in the state ahead of key administrative and political milestones.
Sources in the party said that Dhami’s visit to Delhi will be crucial, as he is likely to hold discussions with the central leadership, including BJP National President J. P. Nadda and other senior party officials. The Chief Minister is expected to present his proposed list of names for inclusion in the cabinet, taking into consideration regional balance, caste representation, and performance-based selection.
Our correspondent adds that the political atmosphere in Dehradun has been abuzz over the past week with talk of an imminent cabinet expansion. Speculation intensified after several senior state BJP leaders met in the capital to review ongoing government programmes and discuss organisational matters.
According to party insiders, the cabinet expansion has been under consideration for several months but was delayed due to the government’s focus on administrative priorities and developmental reviews. With the festive season underway and the winter session of the state assembly approaching, the party leadership reportedly wants the new ministers to assume charge before the session begins.
Political observers believe that Dhami’s Delhi visit signifies the final round of consultations before the expansion is officially approved. Once the leadership gives the go-ahead, the swearing-in of new ministers could take place within days. The expansion, sources said, is expected to strengthen both governance and party organisation, while accommodating experienced legislators and bringing in new energy into the administration.
Chief Minister Dhami, who has maintained a steady image of decisiveness and discipline, is said to be keen on inducting ministers who can contribute effectively to the state’s development agenda. He is likely to prioritise performance and regional balance while recommending names for inclusion in the cabinet.
Our correspondent reports that the five vacant posts have drawn strong interest from several party legislators, particularly from the Kumaon and Garhwal regions, who expect representation in the reshuffle. The BJP high command is expected to take a final call on the selections after assessing political considerations and the Chief Minister’s recommendations.
BJP State President Mahendra Bhatt recently confirmed that the Chief Minister would visit Delhi for discussions on cabinet expansion but declined to specify a date for the swearing-in. He said that the process was in its final stages and that the new appointments would be announced soon after consultation with the central leadership.
Political analysts note that the expansion will not only fill administrative gaps but also serve as a political balancing act, as the ruling party prepares to consolidate its position ahead of upcoming civic and local body elections.
The Chief Minister is also expected to brief party leaders in Delhi on the state’s ongoing development projects, including infrastructure works, employment initiatives, and administrative reforms. His visit comes at a time when the government is emphasising performance, efficiency, and citizen-centric governance.
If approved, this will be the first major cabinet expansion under Dhami’s current tenure. The move is expected to give renewed momentum to the government’s functioning and reinforce public confidence in its development policies.
