UP result highlights: Suspense continues over who will be the new UP CM

NEW DELHI: BJP parliamentary board members on Wednesday cautioned against speculating about who will be the UP CM, while suggesting consultations were on and “there is no specific” finality on the issue.

BJP’s central observers Venkaiah Naidu and Bhupender Yadav have not finalised their Lucknow visit to ‘oversee’ election of the CM by the legislature party. They are expected to make the trip once the leadership arrives at a decision.

For the moment, they are tentatively slated to travel to Lucknow on Saturday. At least two members cautioned against speculation, with one suggesting “not to spoil chances for anyone by speculating their names”.

Another board member suggested, “We have got such a huge mandate but we are still struggling to firm up a name given the expectations behind the mandate.”

Senior BJP leader Rajnath Singh expressed dismay over speculation on his name. “It’s all unnecessary and futile talks,” Rajnath, BJP’s last UP CM, reacted to media queries on whether he was headed for Lucknow as CM. “Do not dwell too much on caste considerations.

A new die has been cast in UP’s mandate,” suggested one parliamentary board member. While the CM’s name is yet to be known, an insider said PM Modi will attend the swearing-in in Lucknow.