Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Sunday said that the party wanted a cabinet post but got an independent charge to which they have rejected.
“Our Deputy CM Devendra Ji made a statement, we were contacted last night. Before that, we were in touch with Amit Bhai, Rajnath Ji, and Nadda Ji. I had requested, and apparently, we will have 4 MPs soon. We requested one cabinet post, and yesterday they offered an independent charge,” Pawar told the media.
The NCP leader further asserted that the party will wait for some time and insisted on a cabinet position.
“Praful Ji has worked as a cabinet minister, and it was not right for us to accept it. We said that we are ready to wait for some time, but we want a cabinet post, so we rejected the independent charge,” he added.
Pawar’s comments come after fellow Deputy Chief Minister and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis stated that the Ajit Pawar-led faction has been offered a Minister of State (MoS) position.
“Nationalist Congress Party was offered one seat from the government- MoS Independent Charge. But their request was from their side Praful Patel’s name was finalised and he was already a minister. Therefore, he would not be able to hold the post of MoS Independent Charge,” Fadnavis stated.
#WATCH | Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis says, “Nationalist Congress Party was offered one seat from the government- MoS Independent Charge. But their request was from their side Praful Patel’s name was finalised and he was already a minister. Therefore, he would not be… pic.twitter.com/pqij8h1Vxc— ANI (@ANI) June 9, 2024
He further added, “When a government is formed with an alliance some criteria need to be decided, because several sides are together. But because of one party, the criteria cannot be twisted. But, I am sure that in the future when there will be an expansion at that time they will be remembered at that time…They requested for a cabinet minister post.”
Narendra Modi is set to be sworn in as Prime Minister for the third consecutive term on Sunday, June 9. President Droupadi Murmu will administer the oath of office and secrecy to Modi and his cabinet. The swearing-in ceremony, scheduled for 7:15 PM, will be held in the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
NCP vs BJP issue explained:
- The BJP was offering one ministerial position for every four MPs. However, since the NCP had only one MP, they didn’t meet the criteria.
- Devendra Fadnavis met with Sunil Tatkare, with Ajit Pawar and Praful Patel also present, but no agreement was reached.
- Additionally, in defence of the BJP, Vidharbha had two MPs from the BJP, who were given ministerial positions, including Nitin Gadkari. However, Sunil Dattatray Tatkare was not considered.
- There is also an internal dispute between Tatkare and Patel, as both desire the position.
- However, because the NCP doesn’t want an MoS position, the BJP and NCP are not in agreement.
(With inputs from agencies)
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