New Delhi, May 22: The Manmohan Singh-led coalition government would be sworn in today at 5.30 PM, a Rashtrapati Bhawan spokesman said here on Friday night. President A P J Abdul Kalam will administer the oath of office and secrecy to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at a function in Ashok Hall of Rashtrapati Bhawan. Earlier uncertainty prevailed on Friday night whether the swearing in ceremony of Prime Minister-designate Manmohan Singh will take place on May 22 amid intense jockeying over ministerial berths inside Congress and from its allies. The delay was caused reportedly over distribution of significant ministries, as alliance partners were busy in bargaining. RJD leader Laloo Prasad Yadav and NCP leader Sharad Pawar later agreed to senior Congress leaders’ persuasion.
According to reports, as many as 40 ministers are likely to take oath in swearing in ceremony of May 22.
The Rashtrapati Bhawan sources informed that formalities to distribute invitation cards would be completed on May 22 morning.
Bureau Report