New Delhi, Oct 28 (IANS): Sweets were distributed and there was much dancing and bursting of crackers outside the residences of several ministers elevated to cabinet rank as their supporters celebrated Sunday.

A group of people gathered outside Ajay Maken's 10, Pandit Pant Marg residence in central Delhi and burst crackers and distributed sweets as he took oath in Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Maken, who held independent charge of the sports portfolio, is now the cabinet minister for housing and poverty alleviation.

"Besides my leaders, I owe my elevation to sportspersons, their coaches and sports journalists! Thanks! It was a great experience!," Maken said on micro-blogging site Twitter.

Supporters assembled in large numbers outside Harish Rawat's 9, Teen Murti Lane residence and danced to drum beats.

Rawat is the new cabinet minister for water resources. He was earlier minister of state for agriculture, food processing industries and parliamentary affairs.

Similar scenes were witnessed outside the residences of several other ministers.

Of those inducted Sunday, seven have been elevated to cabinet rank. Of the 15 new ministers of state, two will hold independent charge.