Chhattisgarh MLA Kawasi Lakhma | Photo Credit: ANI

Chhattisgarh: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel extended his first cabinet on Tuesday. With the nine MLA's who were inducted, the strength of the cabinet now stands at 12 members.

Meanwhile, one of the MLA's, Kawasi Lakhma was unable to read his oath, and Governor Anandiben Patel came to his rescue and read out his oath for him.

Elected from the Konta constituency in Chhattisgarh, Lakhma had gone up the platform with an affidavit in hand. However, he could not read it and hence repeated after the Governor as she read out the oath.

Speaking to reporters after the swearing-in ceremony, he said, "I was born in a poor family and never went to school, despite this, the country's biggest party gave me tickets to contest the elections. People from all walks of life, including business class, poor and young, all love me. I could not get a formal education, but despite this, I became a minister. Now, I will work for the poor" reports ABP News.

When he was asked if he would be able to fulfil his responsibilities as a minister because of his illiteracy, he said, "God has given me that intelligence, I have been a legislator for the last 20 years. During this time, I have never been accused of corruption and dishonesty. I am sure that I will also be able to fulfil my responsibilities as a minister."

Lakhma was one of the survivors of the 2013 Naxal attack in Chhattisgarh's Darbha valley. He was among the very few Congress leaders who were spared, while others were shot dead.