New Delhi: Uncertainty hangs over the induction of Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) supremo Laloo Prasad Yadav into the Manmohan Singh-led cabinet even if his party decides to join the Government because of several court cases against him.

Alliance sources said that Yadav was being persuaded by certain leaders not to press for his inclusion in the cabinet in view of the cases, particularly relating to the fodder scam.

Message Board

Do you think film stars and cricketers can make any impact in the ensuing elections? Post your views

The argument is that if Yadav is taken in, the Government could be targeted by the Opposition right from the beginning, said the sources.

Elections 2004-Where is India heading...
Political Parties in India

Yadav himself had sought to dismiss this contention by pointing out that they were so many cases against so many politicians including several ministers of the outgoing National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Government.

Significantly, the RJD chief had a meeting with senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal who is also a prominent lawyer.

The Opposition to Yadav's entry into the cabinet has come from at least three Bihar Congress leaders who said that he should not be given a ministerial berth as he was facing serious corruption charges in fodder scam cases.

The sources said suggestions had been made that Yadav be entrusted with some key responsibility concerning the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) till he is cleared of the cases.