Alka Rai’s supporters demand ministerial berth for her
Supporters of Alka Rai, wife of slain BJP leader Krishnanand Rai who emerged victorious from Mohammadabad assembly seat in Ghazipur district in the recently-concluded assembly polls, have demanded the party to include her in yetto-be formed UP ministry.
Navin Pandey, ex-BJP district unit IT cell coordinator, said Rai has won a crucial seat and so she deserved a ministerial berth. Pappu Rai, another local, opined Rai should be made the jail minister.
Rai defeated Sibgatullah Ansari, elder brother of Mafiosi-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari. Mukhtar Ansari is an accused in murder case of Krishnanand Rai who enjoyed considerable support of Bhumihar across the region.
“I am a BJP worker. It is a cadre based party. People have elected me to serve them and ensure development across the constituency that failed to get any development under the rule of the SP and the BSP. I will do my best to ensure development and live up to the expectations of locals,” Rai told HT.
Asked about her supporters’ demand, she said, “I am quite satisfied with the kind of support the party gave me during troubled days. If the party high command instructs me to join the ministry, I will follow the instruction.”
Extending her thanks to PM Modi, the newly-elected MLA said, “He is more like a big brother. His blessings and support gave me strength. We are thankful to him.”