Fresh faces likely in UP Cabinet

LUCKNOW: The overhaul in the Cabinet effected by Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has led to heightened expectations among the youth leaders who are expecting a call for the swearing-in ceremony scheduled for October 31.

Akhilesh on Thursday sacked eight ministers and stripped nine other ministers of the plum portfolios. The massive cleanup of the Cabinet had Akhilesh Yadav’s stamp all over and the induction of new ministers on Saturday is also expected to bear his stamp.

Among the names doing the rounds for swearing in are those of MLA’s Jai Prakash Anchal, Prabhu Dayal Balmiki, Nahid Hasan and Ashutosh Maurya. Some other active youth leaders like MLC’s Ashu Malik and Naresh Uttam are expected to be sworn in. Dr Madhu Gupta, a distant relative of Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam, is also likely to find place as minister of state.

There are a total 14 vacancies in the Cabinet. Party sources said fresh faces belonging to most backward castes and Muslims may be inducted into the Cabinet. SP leadership feels with focus on development they would be able to enter the battle of 2017 assembly polls on a strong wicket.