UP cabinet expansion must benefit poor, give sense of security to all sections: Mayawati

Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati on Monday said the Uttar Pradesh cabinet expansion should translate into visible improvement in the lives of the poor, labourers, farmers, youth and women. She warned that otherwise, people may view it merely as a ''political adjustment'' and an added burden on government resources. In an X post, the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister said cabinet reshuffles and expansions were generally an ''internal political matter'' of the ruling party, and therefore, she did not consider it appropriate to make direct comments on the development. However, she added that the overall impact of such exercises should be visible in governance and public welfare. ''The effect of such decisions should be reflected in the welfare of the common people, especially in improving the lives of the poor, labourers, farmers, youth and in ensuring the safety and dignity of women. Otherwise, people will consider it merely a political arrangement and an increased burden on government resources,'' Mayawati said. The BSP supremo also stressed that all sections of the society, particularly weaker and vulnerable groups, should feel secure regarding their lives, property and religion and should receive justice. ''It would be appropriate if people from every section of society, especially weaker sections, feel that their life, property and religion are secure and that they are getting justice. This should also be reflected in the functioning of the government and its ministers,'' she said. Ensuring justice and security for all citizens was the ''first constitutional responsibility'' of governments and ministers, she added. Referring to a recent attack on a BJP leader in Lucknow, Mayawati alleged that concerns over law and order and the safety of the Brahmin community in Uttar Pradesh had once again come to the fore. ''In the wake of the recent life-threatening attack on a young BJP leader belonging to the Brahmin community in Lucknow, discussions have once again started on the law and order situation and the feeling that the Brahmin community in Uttar Pradesh is not only neglected but also insecure,'' she said. Calling the situation ''deeply concerning'', Mayawati contrasted it with the tenure of the BSP governments in the state. ''In all the BSP governments, every section of the society, including the Brahmin community, was provided justice and security under the policy and principle of 'Sarvajan Hitay, Sarvajan Sukhay' (For the welfare of all, happiness of all), along with strong law and order,'' she said. It was ''well known'' that the BSP governments ensured protection of life, property and religious freedom for all communities, she added.

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