CPI-ML declines cabinet position in Jharkhand government, to join coordination committee

The Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) or CPI-ML will not join the cabinet of Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, despite winning two seats in the recent assembly elections. Party leaders stated they were not invited to join the government. CPI-ML's national general secretary, Dipankar Bhattacharya, emphasized that with only two MLAs, the party cannot influence the government. He confirmed that they will participate in a coordination committee when it is formed. Hemant Soren was sworn in on November 28, but his cabinet expansion is still pending. It is expected to occur next week before the assembly session starting December 9.