Raman reshuffles portfolios, three new ministers inducted

The 18-month-old BJP government in Chhattisgarh led by Raman Singh was expanded today with induction of three new ministers into the cabinet, followed by a reshuffle of portfolios.
Governor Balramji Das Tandon administered oath of office and secrecy to Bhaiyalal Rajwade, Dayaldas Baghel and Mahesh Gagda at the Darbar Hall of Raj Bhawan here, taking the strength of the ministry to 13.
Gagda, the two-time MLA from insurgency-hit Bijapur constituency, is the party's young face from Bastar.
Baghel, the MLA from Navagarh reserved constituency, was brought back to the Cabinet, who handled the Commerce and Industry during Raman Singh's earlier stint as Chief Minister.

Party veteran Rajwade from Baikunthpur also made a come back after holding parliamentary secretary in the previous government.
Later in the day, the Chief Minister effected a reshuffle of portfolios withdrawing the health and family welfare department from Amar Agrawal.

Panchayat and Rural Development and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ajay Chandrakar has been given the charge of Health, Family Welfare and Medical Education.
Agrawal will retain other departments including Commerce and Industry, which was held by Raman Singh.
Culture and Tourism have been shifted from Ajay Chandrakar to the newly inducted Dayaldas Baghel, who will also handle the Co-operative.
Food and Civil Supplies Minister Punnulal Mohile has been relieved from the charge of co-operatives.

Rajwade, a veteran party leader who made his way to the cabinet for the first time, was given labour, sports and youth welfare and public grievances redressal departments which were with the CM.
Second time MLA Mahesh Gagda took over forest, law and legislative affairs departments from the CM.
Following the reshuffle, Raman Singh will hold key portfolios of General Administration, Finance, Electronics and IT, Mining, Energy and Aviation along with those which are not allocated to others.