NEW DELHI: Denying speculations that he was unhappy after being sidelined to the post of Uttar Pradesh’s Deputy Chief Minister, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state president Keshav Prasad Maurya on Sunday clarified that he had no issues with the newly elected Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and added that his aim is to establish law and order in the state.
“It is a big responsibility. I assure that I will discharge my duties as entrusted upon me. No issues with Adityanath being chosen as the Chief Minister. I have been entrusted with the responsibility of Deputy Chief Minister. We will do everything to improve law and order situation in the state,” Maurya told ANI.
Maurya was considered to be one of the top contenders for the chief ministership after the BJP secured a landslide victory in the state.
When asked about the decision to appoint two Deputy Chief Ministers of the state, Maurya said, “Uttar Pradesh is a big state. The BJP has taken this decision after thorough deliberation. It was done so that everything is done smoothly in the state.”
The oath taking ceremony will take place at 2:15 p.m. today in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah.
After the swearing-in, Adityanath will take charge as the Chief Minister in Lok Bhawan, followed by a meeting with ministers.
Currently, Adityanath serves as the Mahant of Guru Gorakhnath Temple in Gorakhpur, following the death of Mahanth Aavaidyanath on September 12, 2014.
Apart from Maurya other contenders in the race for the chief minister were Union Minister Manoj Sinha, BJP leader Shrikant Sharma and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh.