NCP MLA Kamlesh Singh to join Munda Cabinet

NCP said it would move court against Singh, who had earlier joined the Soren Cabinet, to seek his disqualification as MLA.

Jharkhand's lone NCP legislator Kamlesh Singh would join the Arjun Munda Cabinet on March 24.

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"Yes, I am taking oath as a minister when it is expanded on March 24," Kamlesh Singh told the agency in Ranchi on Tuesday.

Singh also denied reports that he has joined the BJP.

Asked whether he would join the ministry as an NCP MLA or Independent, Singh, who was recently discharged from hospital, said, "This, we shall see. I am discussing the matter at various levels. But as of now, it is decided that I am joining the ministry."

Singh, who has not taken oath as an MLA, had joined the Shibu Soren Cabinet earlier. Since then, he had been admitted to the hospital with a heart ailment.

The NCP had issued a whip asking him to remain present during the vote of confidence of the Munda government and not support the motion. Singh, however, did not show up in the House.

NCP state unit Spokesman Lal Babu Singh Patel said the party would move court, seeking Singh's disqualification as an MLA once he joins the Arjun Munda Cabinet.

"We have been anticipating this. We are fully prepared. The moment he takes the oath, we will file a writ petition seeking his disqualification," Patel said.

Earlier, NCP national General Secretary Tariq Anwar had said the party could not take any action against Singh unless he clarifies his position.