NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who had last week ruled out trading ministerial berths for support during the confrontation over the nuclear deal, may be forced to expand his team next month.

Sources said that with Jharkhand Mukti Morcha chief Shibu Soren breathing down Congress's neck, the exercise could take place as early as the first week of August.

Besides the re-induction of Soren and inclusion of one of his JMM colleagues as an MoS, the exercise may also see G K Vasan being elevated to Cabinet rank and minor changes in the portfolios.

Soren had almost crossed over to the anti-deal quarter before Congress managed to bring him back by offering a Cabinet berth and an MoS slot. Besides the carrot, Congress leadership had also brandished the stick, threatening to split Guruji's flock.

But having five crucial votes, the JMM chief is insisting on quick returns, leaving little room for the PM to keep him waiting indefinitely. Soren was a member of the Manmohan Singh Cabinet before being forced to step down following his conviction in the murder case of his former PA. The UPA leadership had promised to take him back when he was cleared by the superior court.

While Soren was sure of being recalled after being acquitted by the court, the Congress leadership kept him waiting because of his trial in other cases.The non-fulfilment of the promise is what almost drove Soren into the arms of NDA.

Besides the re-induction of Soren and inclusion of one of his JMM colleagues as an MoS, the exercise may also see G K Vasan being elevated to Cabinet rank and minor changes in the portfolios. Vasan's elevation is seen as justified because of his seniority, but it will also clear one MoS slot needed to accommodate a nominee of Soren as part of the deal between him and the Congress leadership.