Uttar Pradesh Cabinet rejig: Ministers unlikely to be purged

LUCKNOW: As the Yogi Adityanath government now appears to go for a

cabinet

expansion, what looks now certain is that no existing minister would be dropped. With the big poll battle just eight months away, this would send a wrong signal, feels the BJP think tank. So, it will use the addition of five to seven new ministers and nomination of four MLCs to plug the loose ends in the organisation.

However, a final decision on the reshuffle of ministers is yet to be taken. Sources said that while one section in the government is of the view that some ministers should be shifted on the basis of their performance, another believes that there is not much time for a minister to prove his mettle in a new department in around six months.

According to sources, in a bid to balance the caste and regional factors, around 12 permutations and combinations have been sent to the

central

BJP for a final approval. Sources said that whether Jitin Prasada, who recently switched over from Congress to BJP, be only made MLC through nomination or be inducted in Yogi cabinet is one major decision which the Central leadership has to take. The nomination of Prasada to the upper house is almost certain.

Similarly, Central leadership will also decide the fate of NISHAD Party chief Dr Sanjay Nishad. The state unit has reportedly sent several proposals for him. His nomination to Vidhan Parishad and induction to the state cabinet, or a chairman's post at any board or corporation are few options being toyed for him. The Central leadership may also show its inclination for an insider Nishad neta.

Besides Brahmin and Nishad, smaller castes and sub-castes could also be given the representation. Party sources said that focus is on smaller castes like Bind, Balmiki, Sonker, Kashyap, Shakya etc. Adding to it, MLAs from the region which have not been represented might get priority along with the caste, sources said.

The name of Sangeeta Bind Balwant, an MLA from Ghazipur, is doing the rounds for ministerial berth. Similarly, MLA from Khair constituency in Aligarh district, Anup Pradhan and former Rajya Sabha member Vidya Sagar Sonker can also be considered.

After the death of minister Vijay Kumar Kashyap, the BJP think tank is planning to elevate someone from Kashyap community also. Names of Ram Chandra Pradhan and Krishna Paswan, MLA from Khaga constituency in Fatehpur are also on the probables' list. However, after the elevation of Kaushal Kishore as minister of state in the Modi cabinet, chances of another pasi getting a ministerial berth in UP are dismal.