BJP stalwarts, including former ministers, left out

Dehradun: Though the long wait for expansion has ended, a number of prominent BJP MLAs, including those who have won on seven occasions, were ignored for cabinet berths. Many were optimistic of Vikas Nagar MLA Munna Singh Chauhan getting an opportunity.Similarly, two-time Dehradun mayor and also a two-time MLA from the Dharampur seat of Dehradun, Vinod Chamoli, was not given an opportunity. Seven-time MLA and former state chief Bansidhar Bhagat and six-time MLA Bishan Singh Chuphal also could not make the list.Both Bhagat and Chuphal have been ministers in the past. Besides, Arvind Pandey, who was earlier education minister in the Trivendra Rawat govt from 2017 to 2022, was sidelined. Pandey, who hails from Gadarpur in Kumaon, was increasingly vocal against the govt recently.Two-time MLA from Devprayag, Vinod Khandari, and the first-time legislator from Kapkot, Suresh Singh Gariya, were also being regarded as frontrunners for the cabinet berth.Political analyst Jai Singh Rawat told TOI, "This cabinet expansion has given a clear message that the next election will be held under Dhami's leadership. Secondly, the list of ministers reflects that an effort has to be made to strike a balance with Garhwal.""Another key factor is giving representation to Haridwar, which has 11 seats – highest by any district in Uttarakhand. In 2022, BJP won only three seats and, as a result, the district had no minister in the last four years. By including two ministers, the BJP has given priority to Haridwar. Rudraprayag and Nainital too have been given representation in the state cabinet," added Rawat.