Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal has expanded his council of ministers by inducting Khimi Ram, former BJP state unit chief, as cabinet minister. With the induction of Ram, a two-time legislator from Banjar in Kullu, the total number of ministers has risen to 12, including the chief minister, in the 68-member assembly. Ram was administered the oath of office by Governor Urmila Singh at a simple ceremony in Raj Bhavan today. This is the second expansion of the cabinet since December 2007 when the BJP came to power. Assembly polls will be held in the hill state towards the end of this year.