No plan to induct Supriya in Cabinet, says Pawar

Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar ruled out speculation in political circles that he had sought to relinquish one of his portfolios to make room for his daughter MP Supriya Sule in the government.

Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar ruled out speculation in political circles that he had sought to relinquish one of his portfolios to make room for his daughter MP Supriya Sule in the government.

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“I have not demanded additional berths for my party or my daughter. There has been speculation over this but she is not even interested in these departments,” said Pawar, ruling out her induction in the cabinet.

He was talking to reporters after the felicitation function organised for him by Deputy Chief Minister Chhagan Bhujbal in the city on Wednesday.

This week, Pawar met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to request him to “relieve his burden”.

This had led to speculation in the political circles over whether the move meant that Pawar wanted more ministers from his party.

He said he had sought to reduce his workload to focus on strengthening party base in Maharashtra.

He said, “I have not had time in the last few years to really tour the state. And, I feel guilty about that. I want to reconnect with young leadership here and strengthen the base of the party.”

Pawar said portfolios like Food and Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs requires a minister who has temperament and interest in the issues.

He said Sule did not have any interest in this aspect of the government.

Sule runs two schools in Mumbai and has been working in the field of education, women empowerment for the last five years in Maharashtra.