The Hindu : Front Page : Madhu Koda to head 12-member Ministry

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Monday, Sep 18, 2006
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Madhu Koda to head 12-member Ministry

Oath-taking today; Congress, JMM and RJD members to join Jharkhand Government

COMING IN, MOVING OUT: Madhu Koda (left), the designated Chief Minister of Jharkhand and Arjun Munda, the outgoing Chief Minister, at the swearing-in ceremony of the Chief Justice of the High Court, in Ranchi on Sunday. — Photo: Arunangsu Roy C howdhury

Ranchi: Jharkhand Chief Minister-designate Madhu Koda, at the head of a 12-member Ministry comprising the Congress, JMM, RJD and other UPA partners, will take oath at 3 p.m. on Monday at the historic Morhabadi ground here.

Chairperson of the UPA co-ordination committee in Jharkhand and Union Coal Minister Sibu Soren's assertion to this effect on Sunday put at rest all speculation and controversies on this score, which were sought to be made an issue by the Opposition NDA.

The NDA on Saturday had urged Governor Syed Sibtey Razi to ensure that oath of office and secrecy be administered to all 12 Ministers at one go.

Mr Soren told reporters here that the names of the Ministers had almost been finalised with some minor details to be addressed regarding the Home portfolio.

Asked about the post of Speaker, with specific reference to Stephen Marandi (Ind), whose name was doing the rounds, the Coal Minister said many names were in the list and discussions were going on.

Mr Soren was appointed on Saturday to head the steering committee and the coordination committee of the UPA coalition in Jharkhand.

The decision had emerged at a UPA meeting that JMM supremo Mr. Soren would head the 21-member steering committee comprising chiefs of allies and their representatives.

Besides, the JMM president would head the coordination committee comprising representations from all the allies, including Independent MLAs or their representatives.

An advisory council formed at the meeting had been asked to prepare a list of basic requirements of the people and problems like water, electricity and roads.

The common minimum programme of the UPA would be made by a drafting committee.

With supporters swelling, particularly from his native Patahatu village, the authorities have taken all possible measures to ensure a smooth oath-taking ceremony.

Mr Koda instructed Chief Secretary M K Mandal to issue invitation cards to all people in his native place and ensure smooth ferrying of the people from the place from where he started his political career. — UNI

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