The Arjun Munda-headed National Democratic Alliance Cabinet in Jharkhand was expanded on Tuesday.

Jaleswar Mahto of Janata Dal-United and Satyanand Bhokta of Bharatiya Janata Party were inducted into the cabinet totalling the strength to 12.

Jharkhand Governor Syed Sibtey Razi administered the oath at a simple ceremony at the Raj Bhavan in Ranchi.

Mahto, also president of JD-U's Jharkhand unit, replaced party leader Radha Krishna Kishore, who had resigned following internal bickering in the party.

The Cabinet now has three members from the BJP, excluding the chief minister, two from JD-U, five independents and Kamlesh Singh, who has since merged his state unit of NCP with BJP.

Singh had won the assembly election on a NCP ticket and a protest letter for his disqualification under the anti-defection act is pending with Speaker Inder Singh Namdhari.

Munda, home minister Sudesh Mahto and other members of the Cabinet attended the swearing-in ceremony.

Earlier Reports:

Jharkhand minister resigns

Jharkhand minister refuses to take charge

Jharkhand cabinet expanded