Coalition pressure: NCP refuses MoS with independent charge offer, wants Cabinet minister post

Here in Delhi for the swearing in of the new Union ministers, Fadnavis said the NCP demand of a Cabinet rank could be accommodated later. “When a government is formed with an alliance, some criteria need to be decided, because several sides are together. Because of one party, the criteria cannot be twisted. But I am sure that in the future when there will be an expansion, they will be remembered,” he said.

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Patel also confirmed the NCP’s refusal to accept the offer, but said there was no confusion or issue between the BJP and the NCP. “Last night, we received information that we are going to get an MoS with independent charge. But since I have already been a Cabinet minister, I cannot take this position since it would be a demotion. We have informed the BJP leadership and they have already told us to just wait for a few days, they will take remedial measures,” he said.

The NCP faction led by Ajit Pawar won just one of the four seats it contested in the Lok Sabha. The BJP-led alliance in Maharashtra, which includes NCP and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena could muster only 17 of the total 48 seats. Ajit Pawar, Deputy CM of Maharashtra, told the media the party did not feel it (the MoS – Independent) was right.

“The BJP’s central leadership conveyed their limitations. They said they have to adopt a certain formula as they had to take along many parties who have pledged support to NDA. However, the BJP has assured it will consider NCP’s request for Cabinet rank during expansion ahead. We are ready to wait. Irrespective of these developments, NCP’s support to NDA remains unchanged,” Pawar said.