Modi 3.0 Cabinet: NCP Rejects MoS Berth for Praful Patel, Ajit Pawar Cites ‘Non-Inclusion of Sharad Pawar’

Modi 3.0 Cabinet: NCP Rejects MoS Berth for Praful Patel, Ajit Pawar Cites ‘Non-Inclusion of Sharad Pawar’

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has rejected the offer of a Minister of State (MoS) berth in the Narendra Modi government for Praful Patel. NCP leader Ajit Pawar cited the non-inclusion of party chief Sharad Pawar as the reason for the decision.

Patel was offered the MoS portfolio in the Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises. However, the NCP’s core committee met and decided to decline the offer.

Pawar said, “We have a lot of respect for Prime Minister Modi and we appreciate the offer. But we have decided not to join the government at this stage.”

He added that the NCP had joined the government in the past “for the sake of stability and progress” but had not received “adequate representation” in the allocation of ministerial portfolios.

Pawar also emphasized the importance of the NCP’s “ideological commitment” to the people of Maharashtra and the “need to work in the best interests of the state.”

The NCP had been in talks with the BJP for a possible alliance in Maharashtra after the 2019 assembly elections. However, the NCP ultimately joined the Shiv Sena-led Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government.

The NCP’s decision not to join the Modi government is seen as a setback for the BJP’s efforts to expand its footprint in Maharashtra. It also raises questions about the future of the NCP’s alliance with the Shiv Sena and the Congress in the state.

Keywords: Modi 3.0 Cabinet, NCP, Praful Patel, Ajit Pawar, Sharad Pawar, Maharashtra, BJP, MVA