Madhya Pradesh Minister Lakhan Patel Stripped of Animal Husbandry Portfolio
In a late-night administrative move, Madhya Pradesh Minister of State Lakhan Patel has been divested of the Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development portfolio. The department has been retained by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, according to a Gazette notification issued on Tuesday.
When contacted, Patel acknowledged the decision, stating that the allocation or withdrawal of portfolios is the Chief Minister's prerogative, before ending the call.
The development comes days after Madhya Pradesh BJP president Hemant Khandelwal revealed in an interview that the party and government had conducted a performance review of all ministers. Khandelwal stated that the review assessed each minister's political influence, area of operation, and departmental performance, and the findings were submitted to the central BJP leadership.
In the interview, Khandelwal said, 'A few days ago, the organisation and the Chief Minister jointly spoke to every minister. Their performance in their area of influence, political region and respective departments was discussed. We completed the review and submitted it to the central leadership.'
While neither the government nor the BJP has officially linked the portfolio change to the review, political observers have noted the timing. Khandelwal had also not ruled out a cabinet reshuffle, saying changes would occur when the central leadership decides.
The Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development portfolio is considered significant given its role in rural economy, milk production, cow protection, and gaushalas. The state government has announced plans to boost milk production and expand dairy cooperatives in partnership with the National Dairy Development Board.
Lakhan Patel's removal from the department has therefore drawn attention as the government pursues these initiatives. The BJP state president had earlier declined to name any underperforming minister but indicated that feedback from party workers, media, and the public was being considered.
