Ranchi, Sep 25 (IANS) Jharkhand Governor Syed Sibte Razi has asked the chief minister to reconsider nominating legislator Bhanu Pratap Shahi to a ministerial post as he faces three arrest warrants.

Newly appointed Chief Minister Madhu Koda expanded his cabinet Sunday by inducting four ministers. According to official sources, Koda had given a list of six names, which included independent legislators - Stephen Marandi and Shahi.

While Marandi did not turn up, as he is keen on becoming the assembly speaker, Razi objected to Shahi being appointed a minister due to the warrants pending against him. Koda then withdrew Shahi's name from the list.

One arrest warrant has been issued against Shahi by a court and two by the Garwah district police. Shahi was recently expelled from the Forward Block for anti-party activities.

However, the warrant issued against Shahi by the Garwah police was stayed and Superintendent of Police Deepak Verma, who instituted the warrant, was transferred soon after the Koda government took charge Sep 18.

Reacting to questions, Shahi told reporters: "There is no problem in becoming a minister. Koda is our high command."

Meanwhile, the governor has asked Koda to induct four more people into the ministry to complete the quorum of 12 ministers. Currently, the cabinet comprises eight ministers.

Koda took oath as chief minister along with three ministers on Sep 18 and proved his majority in the house on Sep 20. He approached Congress President Sonia Gandhi and RJD chief Lalu Yadav to request that their parties participate in the government. However, they merely assured him outside support.

Independent legislator Stephen Marandi is keen to become speaker, which has been left for the Congress.

"I am a senior legislator and I should get the post of speaker. I am not interested in becoming minister," said Marandi.