In a sensation disclosure, the Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut has revealed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had offered NCP chief Sharad Pawar’s daughter, Supriya Sule, a cabinet berth.
Writing in the party’s mouthpiece, Saamana, Raut, who’s also the editor of the publication, recalled that during a meeting with Pawar, he had asked about media reports that Pawar would be joining the Modi cabinet.
“Pawar told me there is no truth to media reports. He described such reports as height of stupidity,” Raut was quoted by PTI.
“Rumours are being spread about my party. Modi had once told me he wanted Supriya in his cabinet. Supriya, who was present at that meeting, told Modi that she would be the last person to join the BJP,” Raut claimed Pawar as saying.
The Sena MP also said that Pawar told him that NCP’s stand is very clear, yet rumours are spread to create confusion.
“Sharad Pawar says this. But there are senior NCP leaders who are in touch with (Maharashtra) Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The Shiv Sena has no reason to be worried even if the NCP seeks to be part of the Fadnavis cabinet and the chief minister is holding secret meetings with NCP leaders,” said Raut.
Pawar is currently touring Baramati and has reportedly promised to respond to the Saamana’s article. The NCP, which was founded by Pawar after he quit Congress, has been a key part of the UPA.
In Maharashtra too, the NCP remained an integral part of the state government for two consecutive terms. Since the alliance was voted out of power in 2014, there have been speculations on Pawar’s coming close to the BJP.
In the recent Rajya Sabha polls, the party’s two MLAs had allegedly voted for the BJP candidate.