UP: Upset with Adityanath, Cabinet minister threatens to resign
In what could increase troubles for Yogi Adityanath government, a Uttar Pradesh minister has threatened to resign as he has not been given a single office. Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP) Chief Om Prakash Rajbhar on Saturday voiced discontent with the BJP government as he addressed the 'Gulami chorho, samaj jodo' (shun slavery, unite community) rally in Lucknow. Here's what happened.
Didn't come to Lucknow for power, claims Rajbhar
Rajbhar said he didn't come to Lucknow for power and added he joined the BJP because he wanted to help the poor. "I have not been assigned a single office. I have come here with the intention of announcing my resignation," he said. However, his supporters, poked by his closed ones on stage, replied 'nahi' (No) when he asked if he should quit.
BJP can only do lip-service, Rajbhar says
Rajbhar said BJP President Amit Shah spoke about 54% reservations but nothing happened. "BJP people want votes of OBCs, but don't want to do anything beyond lip service for them," he said. He added his demands weren't extraordinary, yet not one office has been allocated to him. Rajbhar reiterated he didn't become a minister because he was greedy, but he wanted upliftment of poor.
Addressing his supporters, Rajbhar lists his demands
"What are we asking for? We have been demanding a ban on liquor which has caused an immense problem for backward. We favor the division of the state for better management, restoration of old pension scheme and eight-hour shift duty for police," he said.
BJP says there's no point reacting to individual claims
A supporter of Rajbhar, who came from Varanasi for his rally, said the minister was upset with BJP. "BJP chief Amit Shah during his recent visit to the state capital didn't meet him," he said. On allegations leveled by Rajbhar, BJP spokesperson Chandra Mohan said, "The BJP has done a lot for SC/STs and OBCs... There is no point reacting to individual claims."
