CM Dhami’s Diwali Meetings Spark Buzz Over Imminent Cabinet Expansion in Uttarakhand

Dehradun, October 21, 2025 — The festive spirit of Diwali in Uttarakhand turned politically charged as Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami spent the weekend in a flurry of meetings with senior political figures, fuelling speculation that a long-anticipated cabinet expansion is on the cards.

Dhami’s day began with courtesy visits that carried major political undertones. He met former chief ministers Tirath Singh Rawat and Bhuwan Chandra Khanduri before holding a closely watched meeting with former CM Harish Rawat at his residence. Political observers viewed this as a symbolic gesture of unity across party lines. “Dhami’s engagement with leaders across the spectrum signals a desire for inclusive governance,” said one analyst.

The chief minister’s consultations continued with former Union Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank and his political mentor, former CM Bhagat Singh Koshyari. He also met Haridwar MP and former CM Trivendra Singh Rawat before concluding the day with a visit to Assembly Speaker Ritu Khanduri.

After meeting veteran leaders, Dhami focused on party coordination, holding discussions with Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal and Uttarakhand BJP President Mahendra Bhatt. The meetings are being viewed as preparatory groundwork ahead of an expected cabinet reshuffle.

State BJP chief Mahendra Bhatt confirmed the move, telling reporters, “The chief minister is preparing to expand the cabinet soon,” ending weeks of speculation.

Currently, five ministerial posts remain vacant in the Uttarakhand cabinet — four long-standing and one left open after the resignation of former finance minister Prem Chand Aggarwal. Under the constitutional framework, the state council of ministers can include twelve members: the chief minister, eight cabinet ministers, and three ministers of state with independent charge.

Two positions fell vacant during Dhami’s tenure — one following the demise of Cabinet Minister Chandan Ram Das and another due to Aggarwal’s resignation. Insiders suggest that the chief minister’s recent outreach indicates the final list of new ministers is in its concluding stages.