New Delhi:
Beni Prasad Verma, who was inducted into the Union Council of Ministers on Wednesday in the rank of Minister of State (Independent Charge) in Steel Ministry, appears to be unhappy that he has not been made a Cabinet Minister.
Verma, a Samajwadi Party leader who joined the Congress before the 2009 Lok Sabha elections, closeted with close supporters in his house after the swearing in ceremony, and did not come out to accept greetings from a throng of his followers who had come with packets of sweets and bouquets.
Seventy-year-old Verma, a prominent Kurmi (backward) leader from Uttar Pradesh, was Union minister for Communications between 1996 and 1998 with Cabinet rank, during the United Front regime.
Finally heeding to the requests of mediapersons who had 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 Sonia Gandhi and said she also had full faith in him. "I am a soldier of Congress party."
When asked whether he would become a Cabinet minister after 15 days, Verma said "it may be. I will keep it as a suspense, I will not tell you what it is."
He said he will charge of his job in next 1-2 days. "I have got more respect in Congress than in Samajwadi party," he added.
Verma, a Samajwadi Party leader who joined the Congress before the 2009 Lok Sabha elections, closeted with close supporters in his house after the swearing in ceremony, and did not come out to accept greetings from a throng of his followers who had come with packets of sweets and bouquets.
Seventy-year-old Verma, a prominent Kurmi (backward) leader from Uttar Pradesh, was Union minister for Communications between 1996 and 1998 with Cabinet rank, during the United Front regime.
Finally heeding to the requests of mediapersons who had 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 Sonia Gandhi and said she also had full faith in him. "I am a soldier of Congress party."
When asked whether he would become a Cabinet minister after 15 days, Verma said "it may be. I will keep it as a suspense, I will not tell you what it is."
He said he will charge of his job in next 1-2 days. "I have got more respect in Congress than in Samajwadi party," he added.
Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world
