shot-button
Maharashtra Elections 2024 Maharashtra Elections 2024
Home > Mumbai > Mumbai News > Article > Will meet PM Modi on July 18 discuss issues of farmers with him says Ajit Pawar

Will meet PM Modi on July 18, discuss issues of farmers with him, says Ajit Pawar

Updated on: 15 July,2023 03:13 PM IST  |  Nashik
mid-day online correspondent |

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Saturday said he is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 18 and will raise the issues faced by farmers in the state during the meeting.

Will meet PM Modi on July 18, discuss issues of farmers with him, says Ajit Pawar

File photo

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar Saturday said he is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 18 and will raise the issues faced by farmers in the state during the meeting, PTI reported


Pawar, who bagged the key Finance and Planning portfolio on Friday, said he and other Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MLAs who joined the Eknath Shinde-led government on July 2, were happy with the allocation of portfolios, the report said.


Speaking during a media interaction here, Pawar said, "I will meet PM Narendra Modi on July 18. During the meeting, I will take up various issues related to farmers with him. (NCP leader) Praful Patel and I will attend the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) meeting."


The deputy CM arrived in Nashik to attend the 'Shasan Aplya Dari' (government at your doorstep) programme.

Asked about Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut's reported claim that as the Shinde-led faction was not willing to part with the finance portfolio, it was asked to give up the CM's post, the NCP leader said, "I don't know. This is an attempt to disturb the atmosphere unnecessarily. We are happy with the portfolio allocation."

There are around 14 vacant positions (in the cabinet) and expansion of the cabinet is the chief minister's prerogative, he said.

"The CM will decide, I will not speak about it," Pawar said in response to a query about the cabinet expansion.

There are now 28 cabinet ministers in the Shinde-led government but no minister of state. The ministry can have a maximum of 43 members. There was speculation that the state ministry expansion would also happen on Friday, but it did not take place.

Asked about the pending civic elections in the state, Pawar said four to five issues, including that of the Other Backward Classes (OBC) reservation, are pending in the Supreme Court. The Maharashtra Election Commission has issued orders to prepare electoral rolls, he said.

After the completion of electoral rolls and the top court's verdict on the concerned issues, elections will be held in the state, he added.

"There will be equitable progress in the state and there will be no differences. There are many communities and castes in the state. We will take everyone along. In 'Mahayuti' (grand alliance), we will work in tandem and efforts will be taken for the development of all," he said.

When pointed out that NCP founder Sharad Pawar's pictures were missing in the posters put up in Nashik to welcome him, he said, "Pawar saheb is our inspiration, our idol. His photograph is there in my cabin."

Also read: Delhi HC directs district judges to prioritize cases for digitalization

Sharad Pawar's wife Pratibha Pawar underwent a surgery related to hand at the Breach Candy Hospital in south Mumbai on Friday. After the operation, Ajit Pawar visited Silver Oak, the official residence of the NCP supremo, to meet Pratibha Pawar after she was discharged from hospital.

Talking about his visit, he said politics and family are different things.

"We value family and traditions. Kaki (Pratibha Pawar) had some injury and was operated upon. I wanted to go in the afternoon, but could not go and therefore visited in the evening. Pawar saheb, kaki and Supriya (Sule) were there...There was no discussion on politics," Pawar said.

On the NCP name and symbol, Pawar said, "We are in the government to solve people's issues. No one's legislature membership will be in problem. We will not hurt the faith of those who have supported us."

Speaking about the prevailing water situation, he said the state has not recorded sufficient rainfall so far this year.

Water level in dams has gone down and there is a need to use water carefully, Pawar said.

Pawar arrived in Nashik by Vande Bharat Express train, where he was accorded a warm welcome by his supporters. It was his first visit to Nashik after becoming part of the Shinde-led government. (PTI)

 

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

Register for FREE
to continue reading !

This is not a paywall.
However, your registration helps us understand your preferences better and enables us to provide insightful and credible journalism for all our readers.

Mid-Day Web Stories

Mid-Day Web Stories

This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK