DMK non-committal on filling cabinet berths

CHENNAI: With speculation of an expansion of the Union Cabinet doing the rounds, key UPA constituent DMK today remained non-committal on staking the two berths vacated by it.

"I cannot say anything now," was the brief response of DMK chief M Karunanidhi, when reporters sought to know, whether the party would seek the berths vacated by its leaders A Raja and Dayananidhi Maran.

Raja quit the Cabinet in the wake of 2G spectrum controversy and Maran over the Aircel-Maxis deal.

Reports suggested that the Cabinet may be expanded soon, with Pranab Mukherjee stepping down as finance minister to contest the presidential poll and the resignation of Virbhadra Singh, in the wake of a Himachal Court framing corruption charges against him.

Replying to a question on UPA nominee Mukherjee's prospects at the Presidential race, Karunanidhi said, "I have already said. Pranab Mukherjee's winning chances are bright."