Yogi Adityanath inducts seven new ministers ahead of UP polls

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has inducted seven new ministers into the cabinet ahead of UP polls. The seven new ministers - Jitin Prasad, Chhatrapal Singh Gangwar, Paltu Ram, Sanjeev Kumar, Sangeeta Bind, Dharamvir Prajapati, and Dinesh Khatik - took oath at Raj Bhavan around 5.30 pm today in the presence of Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel and UP CM Yogi Adityanath.

Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has inducted seven new ministers into the cabinet. The seven new ministers - Jitin Prasad, Chhatrapal Singh Gangwar, Paltu Ram, Sanjeev Kumar, Sangeeta Bind, Dharamvir Prajapati, and Dinesh Khatik - took oath at Raj Bhavan around 5.30 pm today in the presence of Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel and UP CM Yogi Adityanath.

The cabinet expansion was on the cards since July this year. The BJP is set to go to the polls in February 2022 under the leadership of Yogi Adityanath. This cabinet expansion is part of the election strategy to adjust the caste equation in the state. Among the seven new leaders, Jitin Prasada will be important to secure the Brahmin votes in the state. Jitin Prasada was earlier with Congress but recently joined BJP.

Dalit leader, Balrampur MLA Paltu Ram's inclusion as a cabinet minister will help the party to seek Dalit votes in the state. Dinesh Khatik and Chhatrapal Gangwar are two leaders from western UP, which is heavily influenced by the ongoing farmers' protest. Dharamveer Prajapati's appointment will help the party in the Braj region of UP.