Cong, DMK Strike a Formula on Cabinet Berth
Amid speculations that a rivalry is on between Trinamool Congress and DMK on key portfolios, the Congress and the DMK is reported to have struck a formula that could end the deadlock over who from the latter party will make it to the Union Cabinet.
The Congress and the DMK have arrived at an understanding on two Cabinet rank ministers, one Minister of State (with Independent charge), and three Ministers of State, sources said.
However, there is report of the DMK still fighting for a third full Cabinet rank post, which the Congress is reluctant to dole out.
For a third round of talks on the issue, the Congress negotiation team led by senior Congress leader Pranab Mukherjee and comprising of Ghulam Nabi Azad and Ahmed Patel is expected to meet the DMK leadership at Tamil Nadu House in New Delhi in a short while from now.
At the same time, there are reports that in the wake of cancellation of meeting between PM Manmohan Singh and President Pratibah Patil because of deadlock on berth sharing, the Congress think tank is reportedly seriously considering re-inclusion of Lalu Yadav in the Cabinet to send a firm message to UPA allies not to overstep their bargaining positions.
