In response to a question from Haveeru following the repeated claims by pro-government Jumhoory Party (JP) that the Health Minister’s post was allotted for the party, Jamsheed stressed that he had not been aware that a discussion had taken place or such a condition had been put forth by JP. Minister revealed that several requests had been received by JP to sign for the party. However, he stressed that he had not entertained the notion of joining any political party thus far. When asked what his course of actions would be if the government officially asks for his resignation following the failure to sign for JP, Jamsheed said that “if that sort of pressure is exerted, to remain in the post would be unacceptable.” “If I join a party it would be of my own choosing and principles. Such a move should be sincere. That is what I believe in,” he added. JP had issued a whip line against voting for Dr Jamsheed as Health Minister at Monday’s parliament sitting because he had not signed up as a member of JP. At the session voting was taken to approve four ministers. Besides Kurendhoo MP Ahmed Moosa the rest of JP’s parliamentary group consisting of Maamigili MP and Leader of JP Gasim Ibrahim, Kaashidhoo MP Abdulla Jabir, Maradhoo MP Hassan Adil and Maafanu-West MP Abdulla Abdu Raheem voted against approving Dr Jamsheed as Health Minister. Feydhoo MP Alhan Fahmy who is also a member of JP’s parliamentary group did not participate in the voting and is rumored to be out of the country. While it is being said that Dr Jamsheed had not signed up for JP, during a party council meeting held last month it was decided to suggest Dr Didi’s name to President Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik as Health Minister, but no action has been taken on the decision so far. JP’s parliamentary group had voted for approving Dr Mohamed Muizzu as Housing Minister, Fathmath Dhiyana Saeed as Gender Minister and Dr Mariyam Shakeela as Environment Minister.