Who Is Krishna Paswan? Four-Time MLA And Pasi Face Inducted Into Yogi Cabinet

Krishna Paswan, a 60-year-old four-time MLA from Uttar Pradesh’s Khaga Assembly constituency, was sworn into Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s cabinet during the BJP government’s second expansion in June 2026. A key figure in the Pasi community—the state’s second-largest Dalit group—Paswan’s induction reflects the BJP’s strategic focus on consolidating support among non-Jatav Dalits ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections. Paswan’s political journey began in 1995 as a BJP Mandal president and district panchayat member in Fatehpur. She first became an MLA in 2002, representing the Kishanpur seat, and has since held the Khaga constituency continuously since 2012. Her career has been defined by grassroots activism, including protests against electricity shortages and corruption, earning her a reputation as a fearless leader. Her recent prominence surged in February 2026 when she publicly exposed poor-quality road construction in Fatehpur’s Aimapur-Ratanpur stretch by digging into the crumbling pavement with a shovel. The viral incident led to demands for action against contractors and PWD officials, reinforcing her image as a leader committed to accountability. Political analysts note her inclusion in the cabinet underscores the BJP’s efforts to counter the Bahujan Samaj Party’s historical dominance among Pasi voters. With an estimated population of over 1.2 crore, the Pasi community holds influence in 35–40 Assembly seats, making them a critical demographic for the party’s electoral strategy. Paswan currently serves as chairperson of the Women and Child Development Department committee and a chief whip in the legislative party. Her appointment solidifies the BJP’s outreach to marginalized communities while highlighting the role of Dalit women in Uttar Pradesh’s political landscape.