Bhagat sworn in as Cabinet Minister again

Dehradun: Haldwani MLA and former Cabinet Minister Banshidhar Bhagat, was today sworn-in as a cabinet ranked minister in the Ramesh Pokhariyal Nishank Government by Governor Margaret Alva at a simple ceremony held at Raj Bhawan here today.
Alva administered the oath of office and secrecy to him in the presence of Chief Minister and a large number of other dignitaries here today. Former Chief Ministers BC Khanduri and Bhagat Singh Koshiyari were also present on the occasion.
His portfolio is yet to be allocated but it was speculated that he would get back the charge of Forest & Environment and Transport departments which he had handled in the Khanduri cabinet.
It would be recalled that he, along with Ajay Tamta were the only cabinet ministers who were dropped by Nishank after becoming CM. However, Nishank had tried to pacify him by appointing him as the Chairman of 20 Point Programme Implementation Committee and a rank equivalent to a Cabinet Minister. However, Bhagat had steadfastly refused to take charge and was since lobbying to get back the Minister’s post. The opportunity came his way following the resignation of Bishan Singh Chufal as Cabinet Minister after being elected as BJP State President. Apart from him, Surendra Singh Jeena and Harbhajan Singh Cheema were also in race for the post. Fonia’s name was also discussed but was dropped on account of regional parity.Bhagat sworn in as Cabinet Minister again