Jharkhand Chief Minister Arjun Munda today left for New Delhi to meet the central leadership of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its ally Janata Dal (United) and discuss the expansion of his ministry. |
Sources in the chief minister's residence said Munda would go to Kolkata by helicopter on way to the capital. |
According to sources in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), the chief minister will meet the top leadership of the BJP and JD(U) in Delhi to discuss the expansion of his Cabinet and the distribution of portfolios. |
In keeping with the 91st amendment to the Constitution, Munda would have to restrict the size of his Cabinet to 12 ministers only, including himself. |
When he took oath of office on March 12, he also inducted all five Independents supporting the NDA, leaving only six berths for NDA constituents. |
Political observers here say Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) legislator Kamlesh Singh and UGDP's Joba Manjhi, who remained absent during the vote of confidence on March 15 thus helping Munda to easily sail through the floor test, are also likely to be inducted into the ministry. |
Both Manjhi and Singh, however, are silent on the issue. NDA sources said next session of the Assembly would be convened after holi "possibly on March 28 and 29" for passing of the vote on account. |
Meanwhile, the NCP has decided "wait and watch" before taking any action against Kamlesh Singh for flouting the party whip by remaining absent during the vote of confidence of Munda government. |
"Singh has not yet formally declared that he has joined the BJP. He has also not yet taken oath as MLA. So, we cannot take any action against him at this point," NCP national general secretary Tariq Anwar said. |
Anwar replied in the affirmative when asked whether Singh would attract the anti-defection law if he moved over to the NDA camp. |