Say no to bouquet and flowers: Yogi Adityanath issues another diktat to his ministers

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday issued yet another diktat to his ministers: say no to bouquet and flowers.

Inaugurating the BJP State Executive Committee meeting, CM Adityanath directed party workers not to welcome his council of ministers with bouquet, garland and flowers etc during their visit to their area. "Instead, you should surprise them by launching a cleanliness drive prior to their visit and then showcase the same when ministers come there," he exhorted partymen, advising them to shun ostentation and unnecessary formalities for showing their commitment to serve the people of the state.

"I will also pay a visit to that area and you may tell me about your problems," Adityanath promised.

Earlier, the Chief Minister had issued a strict Code of Conduct for his council of ministers. Ministers were not only asked to furnish details of their properties but also directed to deposit gifts worth more than Rs 5,000 in the state treasury. Ministers were also asked to use only government guest houses and accommodations during their visit outside Lucknow as their departments will not foot their hotel bills. They were also directed to stay away from lavish dinner and parties also from giving contracts to companies of their relatives and friends.

The Chief Minister pointed that this will not only give a boost to the Swachh Bharat campaign of the prime minister but would also increase and ensure participation of the local populace in the abhiyaan. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi has shown us the path, it is our duty to follow it," he said adding that politics was a duty and responsibility of each party workers and not a tool meant for enjoyment.

He claimed that he his government has promised development to the people of the state and they should feel that this government was different from the previous regimes. "Within a month we have taken several corrective measures to improve the law and order, power supply, health and education sector. Within 100 days, people of the state should feel the difference in governance," he said.

The CM pointed out that there was no work culture under previous regimes but now the same officers are working till midnight. "I and my ministers are working till midnight and so are officers also. Look, no one is complaining," he chuckled.

It was perhaps for the first time that the two-day BJP State executive meeting began without party having a state president. Keshav Prasad Maurya has resigned recently and the party is yet to announce the new state president.

BJP President Amit Shah will address the concluding session on Tuesday. During the meet, the party is deliberating to chalk out a final strategy for the forthcoming municipal polls in the state and draw a blue-print for the 2019 Parliamentary elections.