Singh Sworn in for 2nd Term as India's Prime Minister

Indian PM Manmohan Singh presents a bouquet to Congress party president Sonia Gandhi at meeting of newly-elected Congress lawmakers, 19 May 2009

    

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has been sworn in for a second term after his Congress party won a decisive victory in parliamentary elections.

The economist, 76, took the oath of office Friday during a ceremony at the presidential palace in New Delhi. His swearing-in was followed by that of 19 members of his new Cabinet.

Congress party leaders say they will focus on the plight of the poor, India's security and promoting tolerance between Hindus and Muslims.

Mr. Singh's second term began in the midst of a dispute with a key coalition partner over Cabinet posts. The regional DMK party from southern India threatened to withdraw from the coalition. Local media reports say they DMK party wanted more than six Cabinet positions offered by Mr. Singh.

The Congress-led alliance has enough members to govern without the regional DMK party.

Mr. Singh is in a more commanding position since the ruling party decided the new coalition should not include communists, who were in the previous government.  Party officials say this will give them more flexibility in advancing their domestic and foreign policies.

 

Source: http://www.voanews.com/english/2009-05-22-voa19.cfm

 

 

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