Beni Prasad Verma unhappy?

New Delhi, Jan 19 (PTI) Beni Prasad Verma, who was todayinducted into the Union Council of Ministers in the rank ofMinister of State (Independent Charge) in Steel ministry,appears to be unhappy that he has not been made a CabinetMinister.

Verma, a Samajwadi Party leader who joined the Congressbefore the 2009 Lok Sabha elections, closeted with closesupporters in his house after the swearing in ceremony and didnot come out to accept greetings from a throng of hisfollowers who had come with packets of sweets and bouquets.

70-year-old Verma, a prominent Kurmi (backward) leaderfrom Uttar Pradesh, was Union minister for Communicationsbetween 1996 and 1998 with Cabinet rank during the UnitedFront regime.

Finally heeding to the requests of media persons whohad gathered in strong numbers, Verma came out and told them"wait for 15 days. Something more will happen."

He expressed full faith in Congress President SoniaGandhi and said she also had full faith in him. "I am asoldier of Congress party."

When asked whether he would become a Cabinet ministerafter 15 days, Verma said, "May be. I will keep it as asuspense, I will not tell you what it is."

He said he will take charge of his job in next 1-2days. "I have got more respect in Congress than in Samajwadiparty," he added.