Ranchi, September 24
Jharkhand Chief Minister Madhu Koda today inducted four ministers in his Cabinet, taking the total strength of the ministry to eight.
The new ministers are: Bandhu Tirkey, Joba Manjhi (both from the United Goa Democratic Party), Sudhir Mahto and Nalin Soren (both from the JMM).
As per the amended rules, the 82-member Jharkhand Assembly can have a maximum of 12 ministers, including the Chief Minister.
Sources in the UPA said the second expansion would be taken up soon.
The RJD had yesterday announced its outside support to the Koda government, while the Congress would take a decision on the issue in a day or two.
“The Congress has asked for the Speaker’s post and we will take a decision in a day or two about joining the ministry,” Jharkhand PCC president and officiating Speaker Pradeep Kumar Balmachu said today.
Koda had won the trust vote on September 20 after taking oath as the Chief Minister on September 18. Kamlesh Singh, Enos Ekka and Harinarain Rai, who, along with Koda, had deserted Arjun Munda to push his government into minority, had also taken oath then.
Koda, his Cabinet colleagues and other political leaders were present at the swearing-in ceremony.
Later, Chief Minister Madhu Koda said he would complete the constitution of his ministry in the next expansion that would take place soon.
— PTI
