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PM to expand Cabinet on Monday

The Union Council of Ministers is being expanded on Monday with the addition of one or two ministers.

Asked whether he would expand or reshuffle his ministry on Monday, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee said, "Yes, I will."

When asked if it would be a ministry expansion, the prime minister said, "I will make one or two additions (in the ministry)."

The name of K C Pant, Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission, is being mentioned in ruling National Democratic Alliance circles for the defence portfolio.

Pant, who had earlier held the defence portfolio under Rajiv Gandhi, is Centre's interlocutor on Kashmir.

Currently, External Affairs Minister Jaswant Singh is also handling the defence portfolio.

There has been criticism about Jaswant Singh holding two portfolios, especially at a time when the security situation assumes significance in the wake of terrorist attacks in the United States and the military operations in Afghanistan.

Vajpayee also indicated that he might carry out some changes in portfolios.

To a question if former defence minister George Fernandes would be re-inducted into the Cabinet, the prime minister said, "I cannot say anything on this."

Singh was entrusted with the additional charge of defence ministry following the resignation of George Fernandes in the wake of Tehelka expose.

Among those who are likely to be affected by the reshuffle is Civil Aviation Minister Shahnawaz Hussain.

Hussain's handling of the recent Alliance Air plane hijack had come in for severe criticism from various quarters.

The current strength of the Union Council of Ministers is 71, including 30 Cabinet ministers, six ministers of state with independent charge and 34 ministers of state.

PTI

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