How BJP Is Trying To Resolve The 'Transfer Row' In Uttar Pradesh

The reported disquiet in the Uttar Pradesh government over the 'transfer row' is the first controversy in the second term of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Dinesh Khatik, resigned yesterday (20 July) but refrained from blaming Adityanath. Instead, he said that he is upset with the officials; "CM is honest but due to arrogance of officials" he had to take this step, he claimed.

It was also reported that Cabinet minister in the UP government, Jitin Prasada, was in Delhi to convey his grievances to Home Minister Amit Shah. However, Prasada later he gave a statement to ANI supporting the zero-tolerance policy of the Adityanath government against corruption.

Reportedly, Prasada was not given time by the BJP high command and he is still waiting for it in Delhi. Some observers suggest that the BJP is deferring the meeting to send the message that there can be no negotiations when it comes to corruption.

Reports suggested that Prasada was upset over the transfer of his OSD Anil Kumar Pandey but in his statement to ANI, he said, "As far as transfers are concerned, changes will be made if there is a disorder. An impartial inquiry will happen and action will be taken over irregularities. There is nothing to be upset about."

According to Amar Ujala, the BJP is ignoring Jitin Prasada after giving him indirect assurances that 'everything will be taken care of'; what the party is more concerned about though, according to the Amar Ujala report, are the allegations of Khatik.

This is because, in his resignation letter, Khatik claimed that he was being ignored 'for being a Dalit'.

Reports claim that Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya has been tasked with resolving the issue.

Maurya met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi yesterday and in a tweet warned officials and staff to follow protocol. He asked them to listen to ministers and representatives and resolve their issues, honestly serve the public, or face action.

Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav targeted the BJP over Khatik's resignation saying that 'instead of being respected as a minister, he was insulted for being a Dalit'. Maurya replied by saying that BJP doesn't need to learn from those parties who use Dalits as mere vote banks.

Maurya also assured that he is in constant touch with Khatik and the latter is not upset. Maurya and UP Jal Shakti minister Swatantra Dev Singh said that even if there is an issue, it will be resolved through talks. It is expected that Khatik's resignation will not be accepted.