5 new MLAs may become ministers in MP cabinet expansion:Three senior ministers likely to see portfolio changes

The government led by Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav is preparing for its first major cabinet expansion and reshuffle in Madhya Pradesh. Speaking to Dainik Bhaskar, the Chief Minister indicated that changes are likely after the Assembly’s monsoon session. Younger leaders may be given priority in the new cabinet, while experienced politicians are also expected to retain significance. According to sources, five to six ministers could be dropped, while seven to eight new faces may be inducted. CM says performance will determine cabinet changes Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav said that ministers’ performance would be the primary basis for the reshuffle. The final decision, he said, would be taken after consultations with the party organisation and the central leadership. He added that the performance of ministers and MLAs is reviewed regularly at both the state and national levels, with feedback and suggestions also coming from the party’s top leadership. Key political equations BJP wants to address Political observers believe the BJP aims to achieve several organisational and electoral objectives through the reshuffle. Greater representation for Bundelkhand- To address concerns over the region’s limited representation, leaders from Sagar, Damoh, Panna and Tikamgarh could be given ministerial positions. Increased representation of women- With women voters in focus, Riti Pathak, Archana Chitnis and Malini Gaur are among those who may be considered for cabinet berths. Strengthening the OBC vote base ahead of 2028- With an eye on the next Assembly elections, the BJP is working on a strategy to consolidate support among the OBC community. Preparations for Local Body Elections- Ahead of next year’s urban local body polls, the organisation is gathering feedback on constituency status, candidate selection, booth management and election strategy. Balancing the Scindia camp and the party organisation- Leaders aligned with Jyotiraditya Scindia currently hold significant influence in the cabinet. The BJP will need to maintain that balance while also ensuring adequate representation for leaders from the party’s traditional organisational structure. Ministers who could be dropped Based on performance reviews and recent controversies, the positions of several ministers are reportedly under scrutiny. Vijay Shah Shah faced widespread criticism following his controversial remarks about Colonel Sophia Qureshi. The issue also attracted comments from the Supreme Court and reportedly caused dissatisfaction within the party. Earlier statements by him had also embarrassed the BJP. Dilip Ahirwar A first-time MLA, Ahirwar was inducted into the cabinet despite limited legislative experience. However, recent performance reviews reportedly found his work below expectations, weakening his position. Pratima Bagri Bagri has been embroiled in a caste certificate dispute, with the High Court seeking a report from a state-level inquiry committee. The arrest of her brother also became a matter of political discussion. Radha Singh Questions have reportedly been raised about the performance of Singh’s department during recent reviews. The first-time MLA’s future in the cabinet is now the subject of speculation. Edal Singh Kanshana Kanshana has drawn attention for controversial remarks related to sand mining and the mining mafia. His department’s performance has also come under scrutiny. In addition, members of his staff were allegedly caught in a Bhaskar sting operation demanding bribes in exchange for transfers. Ministers whose portfolios may change Prahlad Patel Patel could be assigned a major role either in the government or within the party organisation. If he remains in the state cabinet, he may be given additional departments in view of his experience. Kailash Vijayvargiya Changes to Vijayvargiya’s portfolio are considered possible, although there remains uncertainty over his future political role and responsibilities. Tulsiram Silawat Indications suggest that Silawat’s department could be changed as part of a broader reallocation of portfolios. Senior journalist’s assessment Senior journalist N.K. Singh said that Mohan Yadav is among the few chief ministers in the country who never imagined occupying the state’s top political office. According to Singh, the BJP elevated Yadav from the third or fourth rung of leadership directly to the chief minister’s post. As a result, senior leaders such as Prahlad Patel and Kailash Vijayvargiya, who possess significantly greater political experience, now work alongside him. ‘In such a situation, it is natural for some senior leaders to feel uncomfortable. It was a political compulsion at the time, and that dynamic may continue in the future,’ Singh said. New faces in contention for cabinet berths Among the strongest contenders for inclusion is Pradeep Laria from Sagar. Former minister Brijendra Pratap Singh from Bundelkhand is also being discussed as a possible entrant. There is also speculation that former Health Minister Prabhuram Choudhary could make a return to the cabinet.