Yogi Adityanath, a firebrand BJP leader known for his radical views on Muslims, was named on Saturday as the new chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, a surprise choice by the BJP to lead the country’s most populous state. The party also named two deputy chief ministers, state BJP chief Keshav Prasad Maurya and Lucknow mayor Dinesh Sharma, a first in the state. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, party chief Amit Shah and other BJP leaders are expected to attend the swearing in ceremony at Lucknow’s Smriti Upvan on Sunday afternoon. After his election, Adityanath sought two deputies to assist him, a suggestion formally conveyed Amit Shah, who okayed it. Selection of Yogi Adityanath is the culmination of Modi-Amit Shah brand of politics.”

Source: Hindustan Times March 18, 2017 13:51 UTC