The Chief Minister (CM) Dr Mohan Yadav-led Madhya Pradesh government has made a significant administrative change by withdrawing the Animal Husbandry Department from Minister Lakhan Patel. According to a gazette notification issued late on Tuesday night, Patel will now retain charge of only the Anand Department, while CM Dr Mohan Yadav has taken over the Animal Husbandry portfolio.

The state government has not provided any official reason behind the decision, triggering speculation and discussions in political and administrative circles. The move is being viewed as an important development within the state cabinet, with political observers linking it to possible future changes in the allocation of portfolios.

Possibility of future cabinet expansion

Reacting to the development, Minister Lakhan Patel said that allocating or withdrawing departments falls under the special authority of the Chief Minister. He added that he was not aware of the reason behind the withdrawal of the Animal Husbandry portfolio.

Patel clarified that the department has currently been retained by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav himself. Political analysts believe the decision could be an indication of a possible cabinet expansion or redistribution of portfolios in the coming months.

Lakhan Patel’s political journey

Lakhan Patel has had an interesting political journey. Before entering politics, he served for several years in the banking sector with the State Bank of India (SBI). He completed his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya in Jabalpur.

After working in the banking sector, Patel resigned from his job and entered politics. He also played an active role in the cooperative sector and served as the chairman of the District Cooperative Central Bank.

Patel returned strongly in 2023 Assembly Elections

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) fielded Lakhan Patel for the first time in the 2013 Assembly elections from the Pathariya constituency in Damoh district. He won the election and entered the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly.

However, in the 2018 Assembly elections, Patel suffered defeat at the hands of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leader Rambai. He made a strong comeback in the 2023 Assembly polls by reclaiming the Pathariya seat.

Following the formation of the CM Dr Mohan Yadav government, Patel was appointed Minister of State with independent charge and was given the responsibility of the Animal Husbandry and Anand departments. With the latest government order, he will now continue to oversee only the Anand Department.

The sudden portfolio change has sparked fresh speculation about possible internal adjustments within the Madhya Pradesh cabinet, though the government has not issued any formal statement regarding the reasons behind the decision.