Yogi Cabinet Expansion Expected in Uttar Pradesh

As the anticipation builds for a cabinet expansion in Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's recent meeting with the Governor has sparked speculation about the appointment of six new ministers. With the current cabinet comprising 54 members, the potential new appointments are generating excitement among legislators. Names like Pooja Pal and Manoj Pandey are emerging as frontrunners for ministerial roles, following their cross-voting in the Rajya Sabha elections. The cabinet expansion is expected to consider regional and caste dynamics, especially with the upcoming assembly elections in 2027. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 10, 2026, 00:14 IST

Anticipation Grows for Cabinet Expansion

Lucknow: Legislators in Uttar Pradesh are increasingly anxious as the possibility of a cabinet expansion looms. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath met with the Governor today, fueling speculation that the cabinet could be expanded tomorrow. Reports suggest that six new ministers may be appointed, bringing the total number of ministers in UP to 60, based on the number of legislators.

Six New Ministers Likely to Be Appointed

Following the Lok Sabha elections, former cabinet minister Jitin Prasada and minister of state Anoop Pradhan have become MPs. Currently, the cabinet comprises 54 members, including the Chief Minister and two Deputy Chief Ministers, with 21 cabinet ministers, 14 ministers of independent charge, and 19 ministers of state. This indicates that six additional ministers could be appointed to the Yogi cabinet.

Initially, party leadership considered removing some ministers, but it is now reported that only six legislators will be inducted into the cabinet. Speculation is rife about who will be appointed as ministers.

Names of Pooja Pal and Manoj Pandey Surface

In the recent Rajya Sabha elections, seven legislators from the Samajwadi Party cross-voted for the BJP. It is believed that two of them, Manoj Pandey and Pooja Pal, may be appointed as ministers. Manoj Pandey belongs to the Brahmin community, while Pooja Pal is from the OBC category.

Pooja Pal's Cross Voting in Rajya Sabha

Pooja Pal is the wife of former MLA Raju Pal from Allahabad. Notorious mafia figure Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf were the main accused in Raju Pal's murder. Pooja Pal contested the 2022 assembly elections on a Samajwadi Party ticket but cross-voted in the Rajya Sabha elections and made statements against Akhilesh Yadav in the assembly, leading to her expulsion from the party last year.

Bhupendra Chaudhary Also Expected to Be Appointed

Additionally, former UP BJP president Bhupendra Chaudhary is also expected to be appointed as a minister. Krishna Paswan and Ashok Kataria are also in the running for ministerial positions, along with Surendra Diler. The names of Hansraj Vishwakarma and Asha Maurya are also being discussed for ministerial roles. Reports indicate that there may also be some reshuffling of departments among existing ministers.

Yogi Adityanath assumed office as Chief Minister for his second term in 2022. The first cabinet expansion occurred in March 2024. With the assembly elections scheduled for 2027, it is anticipated that regional and caste considerations will play a significant role in this cabinet expansion.