1 After months of vacancies, Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao is planning to fill empty posts in his 50-member Cabinet, news agencies said Thursday.
2 Press Trust of India news agency said an announcement was due later in the day.
3 The long-awaited move coincides with beginning of legislative elections in six of India's 25 states, which are seen as crucial for Rao's political future.
4 Rao has been criticized for failing to fill the vacancies for fear of antagonizing disappointed hopefuls and deepening divisions within his party. Technically, he is in charge of 13 ministries.
5 Five ministers have quit Rao's cabinet in the past three months.
6 The most important resignation was by Human Resources Minister Arjun Singh. His public criticism of Rao has aroused speculation of a permanent split in the Congress, especially if it fares badly in the state elections.
7 Rao's leadership came under serious question when the party lost two key state elections in November and December.

Press Trust of India news agency said an announcement was due later in the day .
due later in the day
When exactly will this happen?