UP CM: Oppn must work in tandem with the govt

LUCKNOW: In his first address to the Uttar Pradesh assembly after becoming the chief minister for the second term, Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday said that the Opposition must work in tandem with the government to strengthen democracy.

“Many great personalities have graced this House with their presence. I hope to create a new UP that will take India forward... The ruling party and the Opposition give strength to democracy, it is a way to fulfil the expectations of the people. We, as members of this House have the trust of the people, we can’t let this trust turn to distrust at any point,” Adityanath said in his address to the 18th Legislative Assembly.

“The government and Opposition are vital for democracy...our govt’s focus is on women, the poor and farmers,” he added.

The CM also took a veiled dig at the Opposition and said there is no place for negativity in the country, referring to the campaigns during the recently held

state elections. “There is no place for negativity in our country. People only support those who can instil positivity and spread progressive ideas,” he said.

The BJP won 255 seats with its allies in the state also registering impressive performance in the UP polls.

Adityanath, a first-time MLA, had previously been a member of the Legislative Council in the state during his first five-year tenure. Adityanath was sworn in as the chief minister of the state by Governor Anandiben Patel at a massive ceremony at Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow last week.

A total of 52 ministers had taken oath as ministers, including two deputy chief ministers -Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak.Adityanath has allocated portfolios in his 53-member ministry, keeping the departments of home, vigilance and personnel with him. Altogether, 34 departments remain with the chief minister.

With expanding air connectivity in the state being a focus area, Adityanath will take care of the civil aviation department which was earlier with his cabinet colleague Nand Gopal Nandi.Maurya has been allocated six departments -- rural development, rural engineering, food processing, entertainment tax, public enterprise and national integration.

The PWD, which Maurya headed in the previous ministry, has been given to Jitin Prasada. Pathak will head medical education, medical and health and family welfare departments.