Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh cabinet is expected to undergo a major expansion on Sunday evening as Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath prepares for a significant political reshuffle ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.
Sources said Adityanath is likely to meet Governor Anandiben Patel before the proposed swearing-in ceremony.
At least six new ministers are expected to be inducted into the council of ministers, while portfolios of several existing ministers may also be reshuffled.
BJP focuses on caste and regional balance
According to sources, the cabinet expansion is being planned as part of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s broader strategy to strengthen caste and regional representation ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.
The exercise is reportedly aimed at consolidating the party’s social coalition after the setbacks it faced in Uttar Pradesh during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Political observers said the expansion is expected to send a message to key caste communities and regional voter groups across the state.
Sources indicated that one Minister of State with independent charge may also be elevated to Cabinet rank.
Several new faces likely in cabinet
Among the names being considered for induction is Bhupendra Chaudhary, a Jat OBC leader from Moradabad and former Uttar Pradesh BJP president who currently serves as a Member of the Legislative Council.
Another prominent name is Manoj Pandey, a Brahmin leader from Rae Bareli district who had rebelled against the Samajwadi Party before moving closer to the BJP.
Sources also mentioned Pooja Pal, an OBC leader from the Pal community and MLA from Chayal in Kaushambi district, as a likely entrant into the cabinet.
Ashok Kataria, a Gurjar OBC leader and Member of the Legislative Council from Bijnor, is also reportedly being considered.
Focus on Dalit representation
The BJP is also expected to increase representation from the Pasi community.
Sources said Krishna Paswan, an SC leader from Fatehpur district, and Suresh Pasi from Amethi district are among the likely inductees.
Political analysts said the inclusion of leaders from various OBC, Dalit and upper-caste communities reflects the BJP’s attempt to maintain a broad social alliance in the politically crucial state.
Cabinet strength nearing constitutional limit
At present, the Uttar Pradesh government has 54 ministers, while the constitutional limit permits a maximum strength of 60 ministers in the council.
The proposed expansion is expected to take the cabinet strength closer to that limit.
Yogi Adityanath first became Chief Minister in 2017 after the BJP secured a massive victory in the Assembly elections, defeating the alliance led by Akhilesh Yadav.
The BJP returned to power again in 2022 under Adityanath’s leadership, becoming the first party in nearly four decades to retain power consecutively in Uttar Pradesh.
BJP maintains strong Assembly position
In the 403-member Uttar Pradesh Assembly, the BJP currently holds 255 seats on its own.
With support from allies including the Apna Dal (Sonelal) and the Nishad Party, the ruling National Democratic Alliance maintains a comfortable majority in the Assembly.
The Samajwadi Party continues to remain the principal opposition force in the state.
Political observers said the upcoming cabinet reshuffle could play an important role in shaping the BJP’s electoral strategy and organisational messaging ahead of the next Assembly elections in 2027.