Number of ministers must be according to Constitution BJP

Ranchi, Sep 16 (UNI) Senior BJP leader and party legislator Saryu Rai today demanded Jharkhand Governor Syed Sibte Razi to ensure that Chief Minister designate of UPA Madhu Koda takes his oath under constitutional provisions with all eleven ministers required in the state cabinet.

Mr Rai today sent a letter to the Governor mentioning article 164(1) of the Constitution, which indicates the number of ministers in the Cabinet should be 12, including the Chief Minister.

Reffering to the incident of March 29, 2005 Mr Rai said when Arjun Munda staked claim to form the government with eleven ministers (including Mr Munda) then the Governor had sent a letter to Mr Munda mentioning these constitutional provisions.

He said media reports indicaed Mr Koda was taking oath with only four ministers.

Mr Rai urged the governor to ensure that these provisions were not overlooked during the oath taking function of Mr Koda.

Mr Koda was asked to form government after he submitted the support letter of 42 MLAs to the Governor.

Outgoing Chief Minister Arjun Munda resigned without going through confidence motion on September 14.

Mr Koda would take oath as the fourth Chief Minister of Jharkhand on September 18 in Morhabadi Ground in the state capital.

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