M A I N   N E W S

Rabri inducts all Cong MLAs

PATNA, March 25 (UNI) — Altogether 80 ministers were inducted into the Rabri Devi government in Bihar today with all newly elected Congress members getting berth.

With this, the total strength rose to 82.

State Governor Vinod Chandra Pande administered the oath of office and secrecy to the ministers at Raj Bhavan.

The two-tier state ministry comprised 40 ministers of the Cabinet rank and 41 minister of state.

Earlier, on March 12, Mr Ramchandra Purve was inducted as a Cabinet minister and later given the State Parliamentary Affairs portfolio.

All 22 Congress members of the state Assembly were inducted into the ministry with 10 getting the Cabinet berth and the remaining 12 made minister of state. However, ministers of state Pradeep Kumar Balmuchu and Abdul Jalil Mastan (both Cong) were absent.

Independent member Joba Manjhi was also not present to take the oath.

Six Independents, including two of the Krantikari Communist Party members, were also given berth in the ministry.

Chief Minister Rabri Devi told reporters after the ceremony that the portfolios would be distributed to the ministers within a day or two after discussions with respective party leaders.

She said BSP members would also be inducted into the council of ministers after consultation with BSP President Kanshi Ram, who will arrive here in a day or two.

Mr Laloo Yadav announced that soon the ministry would be expanded to induct the BSP members and others, who could not take the oath or were left out. Performance would be the main yardstick to judge the efficiency of the minister.

Mr Yadav said steps would be taken to give proper attention to important departments like the Industry, Welfare and Education.

About some resentment in the RJD over the small number of the ministers from the party, Mr Yadav ruled out such resentment and said: “Everyone has to sacrifice in the coalition government.”