Vaiko declines PM8217;s offer to join Cabinet

Asked if the MDMK would send other nominees to the Union Ministry, Vaiko said he had made certain suggestions to the PM regarding the participation of the MDMK in the Government. 8220;However, I made it clear that I am not making any demands. The matter is entirely upto Vajpayee. Ministry formation is entirely the prerogative of the Prime Minister. We will abide by his decision, whatever it may be.8221;

During Vajpayee8217;s earlier term too, he had asked Vaiko to join the Ministry but herefused. His party had then taken a decision not to participate in the Government. Subsequently, the MDMK reviewed the decision on Vajpayee8217;s pressure when the Government was shaky after AIADMK8217;s threats of pull-out and Vaiko agreed that an MDMK nominee could be made a Minister. MDMK MP Senjee Ramachandran8217;s name was suggested. However, the proposal fell through when the AIADMK objected to the expansion since its demands on cabinet changes were not considered.