Brahmin, OBC and Dalit Balance… Who Are the 6 New Faces Set to Join Yogi Cabinet?

The Uttar Pradesh government led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is set for a significant cabinet expansion ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections. A total of eight ministers are expected to take oath in Lucknow, including six new faces, while two existing Ministers of State are likely to be promoted to Cabinet rank.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) appears to be focusing on strengthening its social and caste equations rather than experimenting with major political changes. The expansion is being viewed as part of the party’s broader strategy to consolidate support among Brahmins, Jats, Dalits, Pasis, Valmikis, Lodhis, and Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs).

According to sources, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath held late-night discussions with the probable ministers before finalizing the list. Ministers of State Somendra Tomar and Ajit Pal are expected to be promoted in the reshuffle.

Manoj Pandey: From SP Loyalist to BJP’s Brahmin Face One of the most discussed names is Manoj Pandey, MLA from Unchahar in Rae Bareli. Once considered close to Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, Pandey distanced himself from the SP during the Lok Sabha elections and openly supported the BJP.

A PhD holder in Political Science and a seasoned politician, Pandey is being projected as an important Brahmin face for the BJP ahead of the 2027 polls.

Bhupendra Chaudhary: BJP’s Strong Jat Leader

Former UP BJP president Bhupendra Singh Chaudhary is also likely to return to the cabinet. Known for his strong influence among the Jat community in western Uttar Pradesh, Chaudhary has earlier served as Panchayati Raj Minister in the Yogi government.

Krishna Paswan: Focus on Pasi Community

Khaga MLA Krishna Paswan from Fatehpur district is expected to represent the Pasi community in the cabinet. A veteran Dalit leader, she is seen as a key figure in BJP’s strategy to maintain its Dalit vote bank. Hansraj Vishwakarma: Outreach to EBC Voters

MLC and BJP district president Hansraj Vishwakarma is another likely entrant. Considered close to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vishwakarma represents an influential Extremely Backward Class community in eastern Uttar Pradesh.

Surendra Diler: Valmiki Community Representation Surendra Singh Diler, a prominent leader from the Valmiki community, is also among the probable ministers. His family has a long political history, and BJP hopes his inclusion will strengthen its support among Dalit voters.

Kailash Rajput: BJP’s Lodhi Strategy

Tirwa MLA Kailash Rajput, who belongs to the influential Lodhi community, is another strong contender. Known for his hold over the Lodhi vote bank in Kannauj and nearby regions, Rajput is expected to play a key role in BJP’s social engineering strategy.

Political observers believe this cabinet expansion is one of BJP’s biggest social balancing exercises ahead of the crucial 2027 Uttar Pradesh elections. By accommodating leaders from multiple caste groups, the party is trying to send a strong political message across the state.

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