PM's post reserved for Modi till 2024 elections: Paswan

Union Food Minister Ram Vilas Paswan on Thursday said the Prime Minister's post was reserved for Narendra Modi till the 2024 general elections and it was underlined by the latest electoral victories in Uttar Pradesh and Delhi.

His comments came in the backdrop of Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray's allegations that Paswan got a resolution in this regard moved forcibly at a National Democratic Alliance (NDA) meet last month.

Paswan is President of the Lok Janshakti Party, an alliance partner in the BJP-headed National Democratic Alliance government at the Centre.

"There is a consensus among all partners of the NDA. The Shiv Sena keeps writing something everyday in its newspaper Saamana. Let them write. The latest (election) results of Uttar Pradesh and Delhi have shown that the Prime Minister's post for Narendra Modi is safe and reserved not just for 2019 but for 2024 general elections as well," Paswan told the media here.

"The meeting happened a month ago. Why is he (Thackeray) raking up the issue now," Paswan said.

Paswan said the situation in Kashmir had changed since 2010 and bilateral talks with Pakistan would not help. He sought "power" for the Army to deal with it.

"I met all three groups of separatists in 2010. However, the situation has changed drastically now. There cannot be any solution through talks. The Army should be given powers. Our soldiers are being killed. I am not asking for war but there should be tit for tat," the Minister said.

--IANS

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