Markandey gets berth in HP

SHIMLA, Oct 31 — On the eve of HVC's crucial meeting for deciding its strategy for the Baijnath byelection, the Chief Minister, Mr P.K. Dhumal, inducted Dr Ram Lal Markandey (HVC) into his ministry this evening.

The swearing in ceremony was kept a closely guarded secret. Mediapersons were not officially invited to the function.

With the induction of Dr Markandey into the ministry, all three HVC legislators have been given official posts by Mr Dhumal. The strength of the BJP-HVC combine ministry has risen to 21.

The Governor, Mrs V.S. Rama Devi, administered the oath of office to Dr Markandey.

Mr Dhumal returned from his weeklong tour this morning and the decision to induct Dr Markandey was taken at noon. None of the BJP legislators was accommodated in the third expansion of the ministry today.

Talking to mediapersons, Mr Dhumal denied that the induction of Mr Markandey had anything to do with the Baijnath bypoll.

Dr Markandey had last month turned down the offer for parliamentary secretary.

Except the HVC chief, Mr Sukh Ram, all other legislators of the party have now become ministers. Mr Sukh Ram had resigned his ministerial post following the CBI charge sheet against him. However, he was recently made a chairman with Cabinet Minister's status.

Mr Sukh Ram, who was present at the swearing in ceremony, did not comment on the induction of Dr Markandey into the ministry. With the induction of Dr Markandey the decks may have been cleared for the support of the HVC to the BJP candidate for the Baijnath seat. Tomorrow's meeting of the HVC will only be a formality.

Dr Markandey had won the election from the tribal area of Lahaul-Spiti as the HVC candidate. With his induction, tribal areas have got representation in the Dhumal ministry.