UP irrigation minister resigns

Lucknow, Mar 4 (UNI) Uttar Pradesh Irrigation Minister Munna Singh Chauhan resigned from the state cabinet tonight.

Mr Chauhan belongs to the Ajit Singh-led Rashtriya Lok Dal, a major ally of the Samajwadi Party-led state coalition.

Dr Mirajuddin, who also belongs to the RLD, has been named as the new minister, sources said.

Mr Chauhan handed over his resignation letter to Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav at his residence at around 1940 hrs, the sources said. His resignation has reportedly been accepted by Governor T V Rajeshwar.

The resignation could be the result of ''RLD's internal bickering'', the sources added.

Meanwhile, a state government spokesperson said Dr Mirajuddin (MLA from Meerut), who is chairman of the UP Handicrafts Board, will take over Mr Chauhan's post. ''Yes, he will be the new Irrigation minister. The date of oath will be announced shortly,'' he added.

''Mr Chauhan has been given a bigger responsibility within the party as general secretary in charge of UP organisational affairs,'' an RLD leader said, quoting Mr Ajit Singh.

In an unrelated development, BSP rebel MLA Surendra Vikram Singh, who had joined the SP in September, 2003 along with 39 other MLAs, had resigned as a minister of state from the Mulayam Singh Yadav government after a February 28 High Court decision on BSP rebels.

He had also expressed willingness to re-join the BSP.

UNI NAB mb RR RK2121