NCP to get three ministerial berths

NCP chief Pawar has been given Food and Agriculture, spokesman Praful Patel Civil Aviation and S Patil's berth is still undecided.

NCP said on Saturday it was getting three Ministerial berths including Food and Agriculture for party chief Sharad Pawar in the new Congress-led coalition Government at the Centre.

HT Image

"We have been intimated by the Congress on Friday that I'll take Minister of State with independent charge of Civil Aviation," NCP spokesperson Praful Patel told reporters.

However, we have not got any official communication on portfolios," he added.

He said Pawar has willingly accepted the portfolio of Food and Agriculture as he has the experience in managing farm issues and has a clear understanding of WTO.

"NCP is happy. We are willing to accept the portfolios. While we are getting three berths we do not know what power sharing formula is being used with other parties," he said.

Patel said another party colleague Suryakanta Patil would be given a ministerial berth.