The cabinet will be expanded soon in consultation with the central leadership: CM Sukhu

Shimla. Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu, after taking charge as the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, said on Monday that the state cabinet would be expanded soon after consulting the Congress high command and the promises made before the elections would be implemented from the very first meeting of the cabinet itself. To do the work will be started.

Sukhu told reporters that all “guarantee plans” would be implemented in the first cabinet meeting. The Congress had named some promises as ‘guarantees’ before the elections. These include implementation of the old pension scheme, about five lakh jobs for the youth, a start-up fund of Rs 680 crore for the youth and free electricity up to 300 units.

The Chief Minister also said that a transparency law would be enacted for zero tolerance towards corruption. Such laws generally provide for elected representatives to disclose their assets and sources of income. Sukhu was sworn in as Chief Minister on Sunday, while Mukesh Agnihotri was sworn in as Deputy Chief Minister. 10 more ministers can be included in the cabinet.

He said that the expansion of the cabinet would be done in consultation with the state Congress in-charge Rajeev Shukla and the party high command would take a final decision on it. Professionals and youth and all sections of the society will be represented in the cabinet. He said that the experience of senior party leaders, Kaul Singh Thakur, Vidya Stokes and Viplav Thakur would be helpful in preparing the roadmap.

The Chief Minister said, “We have come to change the system, not power.” Sukhu said that there is complete coordination between the organization and the government. He also met state Congress chief Pratibha Singh at the secretariat. “I never dreamed of becoming the chief minister, but by the grace of God and the support and wishes of my supporters, I have reached this stage and my only ambition is to serve the people, especially the underprivileged,” he said.

Deputy Chief Minister Agnihotri said that the decision to implement the old pension scheme will be taken in 10 days. He said the government is stable and will complete its full five-year term. He said, “This government will run, it will run and it will also perform”. The Deputy Chief Minister said, “We will fulfill all the poll promises and accept the Congress manifesto as a policy document.”