Akhilesh returns key portfolios to Shivpal but denies him PWD

Chief minister Akhilesh Yadav returned the key departments to his uncle Shivpal Yadav on Saturday but retained the most important portfolio of PWD with himself.

Akhilesh, however, gave Shivpal additional portfolios of medical education, ayush and minor irrigation.

He also recommended to governor Ram Naik the re-induction of dismissed minister for mining Gayatri Prasad Prajapati. Though Prajapati has been reinducted in the ministry, he may not be given mining department.

Much significance is being attached to the chief minister’s decision of not returning PWD to Shivpal as he is apparently concerned about the prevailing condition of major roads across the state.

Within minutes of stripping his uncle of key portfolios – PWD, irrigation and revenue – the chief minister had decided to launch a scheme to repair the damaged roads. He will now use the opportunity to bring about an improvement in the condition of roads.

Shivpal would now hold the charge of 14 departments, including irrigation, flood control, revenue, rehabilitation, cooperatives, public service management, minor irrigation and social welfare.

While divesting Shivpal of key portfolios, Akhilesh had given irrigation and flood control departments to Awadhesh Prasad while revenue, rehabilitation and cooperative departments were given to Balram Yadav. The chief minister had kept PWD portfolio with himself.