In Bhopal, BJP leader Ramniwas Rawat was sworn in as cabinet minister in Madhya Pradesh on Monday, as Chief Minister Mohan Yadav expanded his ministry nearly seven months after taking office.

However, Rawat had to take oath twice because the oath document mistakenly read him as "Rajya Mantri" (state minister) instead of "Rajya Ke Mantri", which means cabinet minister, an official said.



This led to confusion among journalists over whether he was sworn in as a minister of state or a cabinet minister.

When the authorities concerned came to know about the matter, it was decided that Rawat would take oath again, he said.



While the initial function was held at the Sandipani auditorium in Raj Bhawan, the same program was later held at the Darbar Hall of the Governor House.



Governor Mangubhai Patel again administered the oath of office and secrecy to Rawat at the Darbar Hall in the presence of CM Yadav and other dignitaries. Rawat then took oath as 'Rajya Ke Mantri', the official said.



Later, the prime minister told reporters outside Raj Bhawan: "Ramniwas Rawat took oath as a cabinet minister today."



Rawat, the Congressman-turned-BJP politician, also clarified to reporters that he took oath as a "cabinet minister".

CM Yadav assumed office on December 13, 2023 after the state assembly elections.



Rawat, a six-time MLA from Vijaypur in Sheopur district, joined the ruling BJP during the Lok Sabha campaign on April 30.



Although Rawat joined the BJP, he is yet to resign from the state assembly as a Congress MLA.



Since he joined the BJP at an election rally, Rawat had been hesitant to confirm his switch to the ruling camp.



With the addition of Rawat, the number of Yadav cabinet members has increased to 32 people, including the chief minister, the official said.