Kohima, May 16: Former Nagaland finance minister K. Therie, who was dropped from the cabinet earlier this month, is yet to be expelled from his party, the Nagaland People?s Front. The expulsion, apparently, has been put off.

The NPF disciplinary action committee met today but ended its discussion inconclusively. ?We have not taken any decision on this issue and will hold another sitting,? said senior NPF leader K. Kath.

But sources said Therie may not be expelled from the party after all, in order to avoid further complications.

Chief minister Neiphiu Rio is currently holding the finance portfolio.

A ?minor? reshuffle is expected later this week, during which a new minister will be inducted, sources said.

Rio, who currently holds more than 10 portfolios, is also likely to hand over some of them to other senior members. The planning portfolio, for instance, will probably be given to education minister and NPF president Sh?rhozelie Liezietsu, say observers.

The Phek legislator, an old friend of Rio, was served a showcause notice by the party and dropped from Rio?s cabinet for alleged anti-party activities and indiscipline last week.

Fuel was added to the Rio-Therie feud when the NSCN (I-M) made it clear that it wanted Therie out of the council of ministers.

While Therie was said to toe the line of the Naga National Council (Adinno Phizo), Rio supports the NSCN (I-M)?s concept of integration.

Two days ago, however, Therie indicated a subtle change in his stand at a media conference, saying all efforts should be made to continue with the NSCN (I-M)?s peace process.

He also said he was committed to the party and did not think that his ouster from the ministry was caused by the bad blood between him and Rio.

However, Therie also pointed out that the chief minister should have taken him into confidence if there were any problems with the minister?s functioning.