Pawar requests PM to reduce burden

With demands on his time growing, more so after taking over as ICC President last week, Sharad Pawar today met the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and requested him to reduce his burden.

"I met the Prime Minister today and have requested him to reduce my burden," he said when asked whether he sought more hands to help him in the Ministry.

Asked what he meant by reducing the burden, 70-year-old Pawar, who has Agriculture, Food and Consumer Affairs portfolios but only one Minister of State, said "That is upto him (Prime Minister). Its  the prerogative of the Prime Minister".

To a question whether he would like induction of some more junior ministers in his Ministry, Pawar said, "This is for the Prime Minister to decide".

At present, K V Thomas is the only MoS in the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Consumer Affairs.

"In fact, I have been after the Prime Minister for the last six months and telling him please relieve my burden," Pawar said.

He said "I want more time with my party and ICC and all those stuff. I have agriculture, food and consumer affairs department. For so many years, I have been in the government. This year, I will complete 44 years in Parliament (and Assembly) and I think 25-26 years in the government. Mujhe rahat milna chahiye (I need relief)."