Maharashtra Politics: NCP's Bid for Cabinet Position in Modi Government

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis revealed that the Ajit Pawar-led NCP aimed for a cabinet berth in the Narendra Modi government but rejected BJP's offer for a minister of state position. The NCP insisted on a cabinet portfolio, citing Praful Patel's experience as justifying their demand.

In a recent statement, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis disclosed that the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) sought a cabinet berth in the Narendra Modi administration. The BJP's proposal of a Minister of State (MoS) with independent charge was declined by the NCP, citing Praful Patel's extensive experience.

Fadnavis mentioned, 'We had offered one berth of minister with independent charge to the NCP but it was insistent that Praful Patel's name be finalized. Due to his experience, the NCP believed he could not be made MoS with independent charge.' He emphasized the importance of maintaining a coalition formula, which cannot be adjusted for a single party's preferences.

Despite efforts to include the NCP in the cabinet, their insistence on a cabinet portfolio was firm. The NCP, part of the ruling coalition in Maharashtra, fared poorly in the Lok Sabha elections, securing only one seat of the four contested. The party also faced a significant defeat in Baramati, a key constituency.