J'khand Guv reschedules his tour amid criticism

Ranchi, Sep 26 (UNI) With various political parties criticising the ten-day-old Madhu Koda government for not being able to present a full fledged 12-member cabinet till date, Governor Syed Sibtey Razi, currently on long tour, is rushing back to the capital on September 28.

Raj Bhavan sources tonight confirmed that Mr Razi, who left for New Delhi today, is coming back on September 28 and then again, will leave for Port Blair on September 30.

The sudden change of programme assumed significance as the Koda cabinet might be expanded during his two-day stay here.

The Koda government, under pressure to fill up remaining four slots in the cabinet, breathed a sigh of relief after Mr Razi this morning went on a ten-day tour to New Delhi and Port Blair.

Mr Razi is scheduled to attend the 19th Akhil Bharatiya Rajbhasa Sammelan in Port Blair on October two.

Many political observers were taken aback by the Governor's sudden tour, who analysed it as a 'tactic' to allow some more time to the UPA leaders to sort out their problems.

The government, which proved majority on September 20, was sworn-in on September 18 with only four ministers.

The Cabinet's first expansion was done on September 24 in which four more ministrs were inducted, leaving another four slots to be filled up.

Mr Koda had been under pressure from the OpposItion NDA, that was urging the Governor to ensure the induction of all 12 Ministers at one go.

The BJP also reminded the Governor regarding the Constitutional provision of 12 ministers in thE Arjun Munda-led NDA government last year after which immediately, the 11-member Munda Cabinet had included one more following the gubernatorial instruction.

With the present UPA dispensation under fire from critics for delaying expansion and distribution of portfolios, the Governor's role had assumed much importance, the observers said.

MeaNwhile, prior to Mr Razi's departure, Mr Koda briefed him regarding the flood-affected areas in Deoghar after making an aerial survey yesterday.

Talking to newsmen, the Chief Minister claimed that all the remaining slots in the stipulated 12-member Council of Ministers would be filled up soon and ruled out any fissure in the UPA reportedly triggered by the disgruntled MLAs.

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