Modi 3.0 Cabinet: NCP Rejects MoS Berth for Praful Patel

Modi 3.0 Cabinet: NCP Rejects MoS Berth for Praful Patel

New Delhi, July 8, 2021: The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has declined an offer from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to join the Modi 3.0 cabinet. The decision was made after the BJP offered the position of Minister of State (MoS) to NCP leader Praful Patel.

NCP chief Sharad Pawar stated that the party had taken the decision after careful consideration and in consultation with its allies, the Congress and Shiv Sena. He added that the NCP was not interested in joining the cabinet at this time and wished to continue focusing on the ongoing monsoon session of Parliament.

Patel, a former Union Minister, was reportedly offered the MoS portfolio in the Ministry of Civil Aviation. However, sources within the NCP said that the party had declined the offer due to its concerns over the BJP’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and the economy.

The NCP’s decision comes as a setback to the BJP, which was hoping to expand its coalition by bringing in more parties. The NCP is a significant regional party with a strong presence in Maharashtra and other parts of the country.

The Modi 3.0 cabinet was sworn in on July 7, 2021, and comprises members from the BJP and its allies. The cabinet has been criticized by the opposition for its lack of representation from women, minorities, and regional parties.

Keywords: Modi 3.0 cabinet, NCP, Praful Patel, BJP, Sharad Pawar, Congress, Shiv Sena, Ministry of Civil Aviation, COVID-19 pandemic, economy