Lucknow, July 16
Ending days of speculation, POTA detainee Raja of Kunda, Raghuraj Pratap Singh, alias Raja Bhaiya, was finally sworn in as a Cabinet Minister in the UP Government this afternoon by Governor T.V. Rajeswar the Congress, an ally, was conspicuous by its absence at the swearing-in ceremony. No portfolio has yet been given to Raja Bhaiya.

Addressing the Press later, Chief Minister Mulayam Singh called it a victory of principles for which the Samajwadi Party stood. He said the party had opposed POTA at the time of its introduction.

Responding to a question on other charges against Raja Bhaiya, Mr Mulayam Singh said under the law a person was innocent unless a court of law proved him guilty. As no court had declared Raja Bhaiya guilty, he had every right to be in the government, Mr Mulayam Singh reasoned.

Once again, the Chief Minister went out of his way to explain that all was well between him and the Centre. He reiterated that the Union Finance Minister had given him a patient hearing and had assured to look into his government’s demand for a special economic package.

Explaining away the absence of the Congress at the swearing-in ceremony of Mr Raghuraj Pratap Singh earlier in the day, Mr Mulayam Singh said there could be several reasons — probably the invitation had not reached them in time.

Responding to a question on his party joining hands with the Left in opposing the proposed raising of the FDI limit in select sectors in the Union Budget, the Chief Minister said it was a matter of principles for his party. “Nothing should be done against the interest of the country. Its own industry should not be exposed to danger”.