Reduce burden: Pawar to PM

‘For so many years, I have been in the government ...I need relief’

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

“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). It’s 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,” said Pawar.

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),” Pawar said.

Cong downplays statement
The Congress party, however, downplayed Pawar’s request. “Whatever is his wish... Politics should not be brought in here. It (the statement) has to be seen from a human angle about a person who recently underwent a surgery,” a senior party leader said on condition of anonymity.

Asked whether the party welcomed the statement, particularly when Pawar had been criticised in Congress circles for the rising food inflation, the leader shot back, “What is there to welcome? We do not comment on our allies.”

Party sources, however, indicated that the statement could lead to a Cabinet reshuffle in the near future.