Itanagar: The seven-day-old Gegong Apang Ministry was expanded today (Oct 22, 2004) with the induction of nine ministers.

Of the nine, Nabam Tuki, Tatar Kripa and Chowna Mein belong to "Super 16". The group so called because they sided with the Opposition led by the former Chief Minister, Mukut Mithi, instead of joining the BJP camp in 2003 like other 34 Congress members did.

The six others, who took the oath of office today, are Tsering Gurmey, Dorji Khandu, Zarbam Gamlin, Tanga Bayling, C C Singpho and Newali Tingkhatra.

Of this nine, Zarbam Gamlin and Tartar Kripa are first-timers in the cabinet.

Former Chief Minister Mukut Mithi, however, was conspicuous by his absence at the swearing-in ceremony.

Apang, however, indicated that the Ministry may be expanded further within a few days making use of the maximum limit of 12 ministers in the council on the basis of the size of the Assembly.

The new Ministry had taken over on October 16 when Gegong Apang had been sworn in as the Chief Minister. The names of the nine ministers were finalised following lengthy discussion with the Congress High Command in New Delhi.