The Uttar Pradesh government led by Yogi Adityanath expanded its cabinet on Sunday, bringing six new faces into the state ministry in a move that is being seen as politically significant ahead of the next assembly elections. The oath-taking ceremony took place at the Gandhi Auditorium in Lucknow, where Governor Anandiben Patel administered the oath of office to the newly inducted ministers.
Senior leaders of the state government were present during the ceremony, including Deputy Chief Ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak, along with several BJP leaders and party workers. With the induction of six ministers, the strength of the Uttar Pradesh council of ministers has now reached 60, which is the maximum number allowed under constitutional provisions.
Among those sworn in were two cabinet ministers. Bhupendra Singh Chaudhary, a Member of the Legislative Council and former BJP state president in Uttar Pradesh, was inducted into the cabinet. He is known for his strong organisational role within the party. Another key inclusion was Manoj Kumar Pandey, the MLA from Unchahar, who has been active in state politics and enjoys influence in his region.
Four leaders were inducted as ministers of state. These include Krishna Paswan, the MLA from Khaga, and Surendra Diler, who won the Khair (SC) seat in the 2024 by-election. Hansraj Vishwakarma, a Member of the Legislative Council, also took oath as minister of state, along with Kailash Singh Rajput, the MLA from Tirwa.
In addition to the new inductions, two existing ministers were elevated to ministers of state with independent charge. These include Ajit Singh Pal and Somendra Tomar, both of whom expressed gratitude to the party leadership for the increased responsibility.
Soon after the ceremony, the newly sworn-in ministers greeted Governor Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath with bouquets. The atmosphere inside the auditorium was celebratory, with supporters raising slogans of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Jai Shri Ram.”
Several senior leaders also attended the ceremony, including Union Minister of State for Finance and BJP state president Pankaj Chaudhary and BJP General Secretary (Organisation) Dharampal Singh. Their presence highlighted the importance the party leadership placed on the cabinet expansion.
After taking oath, the new ministers thanked the party leadership and pledged to work for the development of the state. Ajit Singh Pal said he was honoured by the trust placed in him and assured that he would carry out his responsibilities with dedication. Hansraj Vishwakarma also thanked the party leadership and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, saying that the BJP values grassroots workers and gives them opportunities to serve the public.
Cabinet minister Manoj Kumar Pandey expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for the opportunity. He said he would work sincerely for the welfare of the people and the development of Uttar Pradesh.
Political observers believe the cabinet expansion is aimed at strengthening the government’s social and regional representation ahead of the next assembly elections. By bringing in leaders from different communities and constituencies, the ruling party appears to be focusing on consolidating its support base across the state.