New Delhi, Sept 12: Making a tightrope walk, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav today sidestepped questions on the size of his ministry as also inclusion of controversial MLAs like Raja Bhaiyya and Atiq Ahmad. "Whether it will be small, medium or large will depend upon the interests of the state. Our priority is to save the state," he said addressing a press conference here.

He said that he would carry out the expansion very soon after consultation with coalition partners, including the Congress.

"It is the prerogative of the chief minister to decide as to whom he includes in his council of ministers," he said when asked if controversial MLAs like Raja Bhaiyya and Atiq Ahmad of Apna Dal would be included.

Yadav said he would be coming out with criteria on the eligibility for ministership but did not elaborate.

On the question of speakership, constitution of a common minimum programme and a coordination committee, he said the coalition partners would decide the issue.


About the participation of Congress in the coalition government, Yadav repeated his request to Congress chief Sonia Gandhi to reconsider her decision to support the SP-led government from outside.
On the growing influence of criminals in state politics, the Chief Minister said that Samajwadi Party never encouraged such elements in the party and added that his government was committed to improve the law and order problems in the state.

"The top priority of his government is to provide water, electricity, health, employment and security to common people of the state," the Chief Minister said.
Bureau Report