Koda to expand his ministry before Oct 10

Ranchi, Oct 6 (UNI) Jharkhand Chief Minister Madhu Koda tonight said his ministry is expected to be expanded before October ten.

Mr Koda also made it clear the remaining four slots in the stipulated 12-member cabinet would be distributed immediately after next expansion of his UPA ministry.

The chief minister brushed aside all speculations involving the expelled Forward Bloc legislator, who was facing three warrants against him saying the same had already been withdrawn.

Mr Koda is expected to induct FB mla Bhanu Pratap Shahi into his ministry.

Mr Shahi would be inducted, Mr Koda assetred and rubished opposition NDA's allegation over the issue adding there were 13 cases against him but he was yet to be convicted.

Asked about the post of the Speaker, Mr Koda said it would be sorted out after consultation with the UPA allies and claimed that independent mla Stphen Marandi was not adamant on the matter.

Mr Marandi had expressed desire for the post, the chief minister said and hoped that it should not be construed as his hard stand.

Mr Koda said all talks including the post of the deputy chief minister would be taken at UPA meeting. He also refused to admit that the expansion had been delayed and referred to erstwhile NDA government which had taken nearly 40 days to present the full cabinet.

Mr Koda along with three other ministers were sworn-in on September 18. On September 24, Mr Koda inducted four more ministers.

UNI PRS PC RL KN2148