MoS Verma expects cabinet rank in next reshuffle

LUCKNOW: Beni Prasad Verma, Union Minister of State with independent charge, today said he was expecting his elevation to the cabinet rank in the next reshuffle of the council of ministers.

"Yes, I think I can be elevated to cabinet rank...," Verma, MoS for Steel (independent charge), told reporters in reply to a question.

On speculations that he might be the Congress chief ministerial candidate for UP, Verma said that he was not in the fray and will not the 2012 Assembly elections.

On induction of some new faces from Uttar Pradesh in the Union cabinet, Verma said, "it is possible" but did not elaborate.

Verma said the Congress will perform well in the Assembly polls if it capitalises of burning issues and reach people.

Regarding declaration of the party candidates for the polls, he said it would take another one month.

"There are about 100 names, including sitting MLAs and those who performed well in last assembly elections which are final and discussions are going on for other seats," he added.