In a major setback to the Yogi Adityanath government ahead of Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, Uttar Pradesh Minister Swami Prasad Maurya resigned on Tuesday.
In the resignation letter to UP Governor Anandiben Patel, Maurya said, "I served as a Minister of labour and social welfare in the state under CM Yogi Adityanath. I am tendering my resignation as the Minister because the Government did not serve the marginalised section of the people."
Soon after his resignation, SP Chief Akhilesh Yadav tweeted, "I welcome Swami Prasad Maurya, who struggled for social justice and equality in the State, to the Samajwadi Party. There will be a revolution for social justice, there will be a change in 2022."
Before joining the BJP, Maurya was associated with BSP in Uttar Pradesh.
Elections for the 403 Assembly constituencies in Uttar Pradesh will be held in seven phases starting February 10, the Election Commission said.
The polling in Uttar Pradesh will be held on February 10, 14, 20, 23, 27 and March 3 and 7 in seven phases. The counting of votes will take place on March 10.
(With inputs from ANI)