Why PM Narendra Modi did not wish Yogi Adityanath via tweet

Lucknow : Amid speculations that the Centre is not happy with the Uttar Pradesh government, PM Modi not extending birthday wishes to UP CM Yogi Adityanath on Twitter raised many eyebrows.

Sources in Prime Minister's office, however, said that there was no need of a tweet as PM Modi had wished Yogi Adityanath via a phone call.

They said he has not tweeted to anyone in the second wave of the pandemic and also provided a list of top leaders, including those from the opposition, for whom he skipped Twitter wishes over the past few weeks.

The list includes the chief ministers of Kerala, Rajasthan, Haryana and Goa.

According to several reports, there was a speculation that the Centre is not happy with the criticism Yogi Adityanath's government received over handling of coronavirus pandemic during second wave.

Rumours suggested changes being considered - ahead of a critical election next year, one that could set the tone for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls - included either replacing him or his two deputies.

On Friday BJP sources again ruled out Yogi Adityanath's' removal, but indicated that a cabinet expansion was likely. Former bureaucrat AK Sharma, known to be among Prime Minister Modi's close aides, may be given an important role in the UP government, party sources said.

The source said the expansion could take place as soon as this month, and that new ministers will be picked with caste and regional equations in mind.

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