UP Cabinet: CM Yogi Adityanath may order an expansion

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is likely to expand his council of ministers soon, sources said on Wednesday. BJP sources said talks on ministerial expansion have gained momentum after the appointment of Swatantra Dev Singh as the new chief of party`s Uttar Pradesh unit. 

Adityanath was in Delhi two days ago and during his stay in the national capital, he took part in a meeting held at Home Minister Amit Shah`s residence. 

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) working President J.P. Nadda and Organisational General Secretary B.L. Santosh were also present in the meeting. Discussions were held on bringing changes in the Uttar Pradesh cabinet as well. 

Taking note of some of the ministers` role in the Lok Sabha elections, they might be promoted to the Cabinet rank following the expansion. 

Some new faces are also expected to be included in the Adityanath-led cabinet. At the same time, the under-performing ministers could be shown the door.

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A total of 60 ministers can be included in the Uttar Pradesh cabinet. When Adityanath took oath as the Chief Minister in March 2017, 46 others were also sworn in as ministers. So, 13 positions remain vacant. 

BJP spokesperson Harishchandra Shrivastav said: "Cabinet expansion is the privilege of the chief minister... he would take a call on it."