Date:10/11/2002 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2002/11/10/stories/2002111004250800.htm

National

Rabri allocates additional portfolios to Cong. MLAs

Patna Nov. 9. In an apparent bid to mollify the Congress, coalition partner of the RJD-led Bihar Government, the Chief Minister, Rabri Devi, today allocated additional portfolios to the three disgruntled Congress Ministers who had threatened to resign.

The three stayed away from office for several days before deciding to resume duty yesterday, following a directive from the Congress high command and an assurance from Ms. Rabri and the RJD supremo, Laloo Prasad Yadav, to redress their grievances.

Minister of State for Science and Technology, Chowdhary Mehboob Ali Qaisar, was given additional charge of Higher Education, Zahidur Rehman got additional charge of Mines and Geology apart from Relief and Rehabilitation Department, and Mohammed Javed was divested of his Labour, Employment and Training Portfolio to get the charge of Law and Animal Husbandry departments. — PTI