Can give up 3 extra berths but not Home: NCP

Deputy Chief Minister Chhagan Bhujbal,who has been re-elected the NCP’s group leader in the Assembly,said they are ready to give up the three extra portfolios (forests,environment and labour) secured by them from the Congress in return for the latter getting the Chief Minister’s chair in 2004. Those three berths had given the NCP a total of 24,as compared to 19 for the Congress. “When we are asking for implementation of the 1999 formula,(it means) the Home Minister’s post will remain with those who already hold it,” said Bhujbal.

Bhujbal reiterated that the NCP was standing by its proposal for the 1999 formula; the Congress would get 22 ministerial berths and the Chief Minister’s post,and the NCP would get 21,including the Deputy Chief Minister’s chair. He added that they have not asked for more ministerial berths,but would not take less. NCP president and Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar met state NCP leaders and newly elected MLAs.

Sources said the formation of the government was likely to be delayed by a couple of days adding that by Monday the first batch of new ministers is likely to be sworn in and a three-day session of the assembly may be convened from November 3.