Crucial expansion for Yogi govt; UP likely to get six new ministers today

Uttar Pradesh government is undergoing an expansion, and six to seven faces are expected to be added to the team by 5 PM today.

The new faces might include representation from different castes and communities. The expansion comes months before Assembly polls in the state, reported NDTV. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had expressed confidence that the BJP will return to power in UP and win an overwhelming majority in the election. He declared that the party will win over 350 of 403 seats.

Former Congress leader Jitin Prasada is expected to make minister as he joined BJP in June. He was a close associate of Rahul Gandhi and Congress representative of the Brahmin community in the state. Yogi Adityanath's government is perceived to be pro-Thakur as the Chief Minister belongs to the caste. Prasada's presence will thereby help BJP find footing in the Brahmin community. Brahmins make up 13% of the state's voters.

Sanjay Nishad of the Nishad Party, an ally of the BJP, is also expected to be included. He had warned the BJP of "consequences in the upcoming Assembly poll".

CM Adityanath had declared that the perception about UP on the national stage has changed due to the united efforts of the people, the organisation, and the government. People's confidence in governance has increased. This will ensure BJP's victory in the 2022 elections.

The Assembly Polls in UP is considered to be the test of the BJP's appeal at the state level. The party failed to make headway in West Bengal, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu in the recently held assembly elections.