Though Singh, 65, is still regarded as a good choice for the key post given his vast experience and popularity, he appears reluctant about shifting back to state politics.
Moreover, with Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar having moved over to Goa, Prime Minister Narendra Modi may not want to lose another senior member of his cabinet.
Ram, Ram, was Singhs response to a journalists query as to whether he was a contender for the chief ministers post, remark that many interpreted as showing his unwillingness to return to UP politics.
Another name doing the rounds is that of Manoj Sinha, 57, the minister of state for Railways. An upper caste Bhumihar, he belongs to Poorvanchal, the area which is in the focus of the BJP. Prime Minister Modis Varanasi constituency is also part of Poorvanchal.