Mamata's demand puts off cabinet expansion by a day

New Delhi, May 26 (ANI): The expansion of the Union Cabinet is likely to be delayed by a day or more reportedly because of Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee demanding a seventh ministerial berth.

Some reports said the cabinet expansion could take place on Thursday and would include the nominees of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the Trinamool.

The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, and the chairperson of the UPA, Sonia Gandhi, continue to hold meetings at the Prime Minister's residence and at Gandhi's 10, Janpath residence to discuss portfolio allocation.

It is learnt that Banerjee wants a seventh person to be accommodated in the Cabinet with Minister of State (MoS) rank.

The DMK reportedly wanted nine ministerial berths-five Cabinet berths and four Ministers of State. However, the Congress is ready to give only seven-three Cabinet berths and four MoS berths.

The DMK has agreed to seven berths and indicated its readiness to join the government.

In the first installment, only 19 ministers were inducted along with the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, last Friday. Portfolios have been allocated to only six key ministers. (ANI)