UP Irrigation Minister resigns

Lucknow, Sep 2 (UNI) Uttar Pradesh Irrigation Minister Dr Merajuddin today tendered his resignation to Chief Minister Mulayam singh Yadav.

Dr Merajuddin, a member of the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD), tendered his resignation since he was not a member of the state legislature and could not have continued in office for more than six months.

''He sent his resignation to the CM. But, since Mr Singh Yadav is in New Delhi, the resignation has not been accepted so far,'' RLD chief Ajit Singh said.

RLD is the major alliance partner of the ruling dispensation in UP and the irrigation department has remained with it since the Samajwadi Party-led government came to power three years ago.

Dr Merajuddin is the third RLD minister to have resigned from the irrigation minister's post in as many years.

Ms Anuradha Chaudhury, the first irrigation minister from the RLD quota, resigned after being elected to the Rajya Sabha. She is now chairperson of UP Irrigation Commission.

Mr Munna Singh Chauhan was the second RLD minister, who resigned six months ago following differences with the party leadership.

''The new name for the post would be decided later...I met the Governor this morning and he would look into the various constitutional angles before a final decision is made,'' the RLD chief said.

There had been speculations that RLD could like Dr Merajuddin to continue. But, political observers were citing a recent court ruling, which had objected to a person taking oath once again after tendering resignation.

Meanwhile, various pressure groups within the RLD were proposing several names for the post. ''Since Dr Merajuddin is a Muslim, Mr Singh would like him to continue as a representative of the minority community,'' said a senior RLD leader.

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