A Cabinet expansion and reshuffling in Himachal Pradesh is awaiting final nod from the Congress high command, with Kullu MLA Surender Singh Thakur, 61, set to take oath soon, chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said on Tuesday.“Kullu MLA Sunder Singh Thakur will soon take oath. The state government is awaiting a green signal from the Congress high command and as soon as we get it the Cabinet expansion will take place,” said CM Sukhu while interacting with media on the sidelines of the flagging off the 46 new quick-response firefighting vehicles in Shimla.Himachal Pradesh cabinet comprises a total of 12 cabinet berths, including that of the chief minister. Initially, the CM filled only eight of these posts. Later, two new ministers—Rajesh Dharmani and Yadvinder Goma—were inducted. However, one ministerial post has remained vacant for nearly three and three-quarter years, and there has been constant speculation regarding filling it.Thakur has previously served as a chief parliamentary secretary (CPS) in the Sukhu government, however, the court declared the these appointments illegal, leading to their removal from the post.As per people in know of the matter, Kullu MLA’s oath taking is likely to take place before August 15. This is being said as Kullu MLA Sunder Singh Thakur is scheduled to preside over district level function at Kelong in Lahaul Spiti as per the detailed program of cabinet ministers and assembly speaker released by the state government.The CM added that a date for the Political Affairs Committee meeting has not yet been finalised but will be held soon. It may be mentioned that the PAC meeting was originally scheduled to be held in Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh on August 16–17. The date was subsequently changed to August 8, but the meeting was later postponed owing to preoccupation of the senior party leaders and party high command in the monsoon session of Parliament.CM flags off 46 fire fighting vehiclesCM Sukhu on Tuesday flagged off 46 new quick-response firefighting vehicles for fire units across various districts of the state on Tuesday.Of these, nine vehicles have been allocated to Shimla district, eight to Kangra, five each to Mandi and Solan, three each to Hamirpur, Una, Chamba and Lahaul-Spiti, two each to Sirmaur, Bilaspur and Kullu and one to Kinnaur.On the occasion, the CM said that strengthening firefighting and emergency response services was essential to ensure a swift response during disasters and other emergencies. “Fire tenders to be deployed at every 28 kms. The procurement process for another 37 new firefighting vehicles is currently underway”.
