Monday, May 16 2005 15:25 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: The long pending Cabinet expansion in Madhya Pradesh will take place within a week, Chief Minister Babulal Gaur said today (May 16, 2005) even as he quashed speculation that Ministers who had attended Uma Bharti's address to supporters in Amarkantak will be removed.

"Shivraj Singh Chauhanji is taking over as State BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) President today, so within a week's time you can expect the cabinet expansion," Gaur, who has three empty slots to fill in his cabinet, told reporters in New Delhi today.

In reply to a query whether the two Ministers who had attended Bharti's meeting in Amarkantak would be removed, he said, "It is impossible that anybody will be removed on this count. The only criterion that will be followed for any reshuffle will be the performance of the Ministers in the last six to seven months."

School Education Minister Dhal Singh and Revenue Minister Dilip Bhatere had met Gaur's predecessor in Amarkantak.

He said Social Welfare Minister Narain Singh Khushwaha, who was reported to have attended a child marriage function, will not be removed, saying no complaints had been received about the Minister's alleged presence on the occasion.

Denying that there were any pulls and pressures from the party for the Cabinet expansion in the form of installation of Chauhan as the State BJP chief, the Chief Minister said, "The Government is because of the party. Ours is a cadre-based party, it is like a family which discusses issues openly."

He welcomed the appointment of Chauhan saying the party will become more active and stronger in Madhya Pradesh under him. On speculation that Bharti was being offered a party post at the Central level, Gaur said he would welcome any such move as she deserved to work at an important post.