Rajnath's security staff does a recce of UP CM's house

March 15, 2017 15:31

OK, then... Home minister Rajnath Singh's staff does a recce at the UP CM's official residence. CNN News18 says security staff have visited his house. Rajnath Singh is frontrunner for the CM's post and is among the party's most-senior leaders from UP.

The names of several probables, including Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, who had led the BJP government in the state in the past, were doing the rounds at the state party office.

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.

Reports also say that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be present at the swearing-in ceremony which will be held on Friday.

The BJP has won the biggest electoral prize of India's politically most important state. With over 80 per cent votes, its the biggest result for a party since 1977.

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