The exclusion of former minister Rajiv Bindal from the new cabinet came as a surprise in the swearing-in ceremony. But soon after, the party announced his name as the Assembly Speaker.
“The BJP has decided to appoint Rajeev Bindal, who is a legislator from Nahan, as the Vidhan Sabha Speaker,” a statement by BJP state President Satpal Satti said.
Bindal had been cabinet minister in last Prem Kumar Dhumal Government from 2007 to 2012. He has been victorious as MlA for the fourth time, and consecutively second time from Nahan. Hans Raj, MlA from Churah is expected to be the Deputy Speaker.
Once the new MlAs take oath, Bindal has to be elected by the Assembly to be the Speaker.
The first Assembly session of the Jai Ram Thakur-led BJP Government is likely to be held in Dharamsala town in January.