Chandigarh, March 7
Senior Dalit leader from the Majha region, Gulzar Singh Ranike, who was forced to resign following involvement of his personal assistant in the border area development scam, today made a comeback in the Cabinet after being given a clean chit by the state Vigilance department.

Ranike, who was administered the oath of office and secrecy by Punjab Governor Shivraj V Patil at a brief ceremony at the Raj Bhawan here, has been allotted the same portfolios - Welfare of SC/BC, Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development - that he held earlier.

Sources had earlier claimed that Ranike might not be allotted the Welfare of SC/BC Department after allegations against his personal assistant Sarabhdayal Singh came to light.

Ranike, while thanking Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal for reposing faith in him, said his stand that he was not involved in any wrongdoing committed by his personal assistant had been vindicated.

The Chief Minister was also present at the oath-taking ceremony.