‘Cabinet reshuffle to benefit UP’

On rumours that he is being considered as one of the CM candidates in UP,Verma said: “When I am expected to get a Cabinet rank in the next cabinet reshuffle, why should I look for the CM’s post in UP? There is no base in such talks.”

Verma was in the city to meet the family members of Dr YS Sachan,who was allegedly murdered inside Lucknow jail on June 22. He said after going through the reports and meeting the family,he is sure that “Sachan has been tortured to death”.

“It is shameful that such a big incident happens in the state and the Chief minister sends some officers to speak on behalf of the government as well as her party. After four days,the CM gives a statement in Mumbai that a judicial inquiry has been ordered,” he said.

Like others,he also pressed for a CBI enquiry in the incident. “Nothing will come out till the investigation is under any officer of the Mayawati government. A CBI probe is a must.”

Verma said if Mayawati does not let the people of the state live peacefully,then the Congress will also not let the chief minister rest. “We will continue to launch agitations,one after another.”

Defending the recent price hike of petroleum products in the country,Verma said inflation is related to development and people should not worry.

“Mhengai vikas ki suchak hoti hai,” he said. He said that the brighter side of the picture is that schemes like NREGA have empowered people financially.