The Uttar Pradesh government, under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, embarked on its first cabinet expansion during his second term, strategically broadening its representation across regions and castes in anticipation of the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections.
The move aims to resonate with a diverse electorate and consolidate support for the ruling party.
On Tuesday, four new cabinet ministers were sworn in, signalling a concerted effort to encompass varied interests. The inductees include Om Prakash Rajbhar, chief of the Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP); Anil Kumar from the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD); and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders Dara Singh Chauhan & Sunil Kumar Sharma.
The swearing-in ceremony, officiated by Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, took place at Raj Bhavan in Lucknow.
Expressing his gratitude, SBSP’s Om Prakash Rajbhar remarked on the significance of representation for marginalised communities in governance. “This appointment is a testament to the acknowledgment of the marginalised society’s aspirations,” he stated, indicating a broad spectrum of political approval for his inclusion.
RLD leader Anil Kumar, acknowledging the responsibility bestowed upon him, extended thanks to his party chief Jayant Chaudhary, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He emphasised a commitment to honesty in his endeavours and expressed determination towards achieving electoral success for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the state.
This cabinet expansion marks a strategic move by the BJP to fortify its foothold across various regions of Uttar Pradesh ahead of the impending Lok Sabha polls, slated to be a crucial battleground for electoral dominance.
The recent political developments have seen RLD leader Jayant Chaudhary formalising the party’s alliance with the ruling NDA, underscoring a concerted effort towards coalition building and electoral preparation.
RLD has also announced its candidates for the upcoming general elections, reinforcing its commitment to the alliance.
With these strategic appointments, the Uttar Pradesh government aims to navigate the electoral landscape effectively, catering to the aspirations of a wide-ranging populace as the state gears up for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
