Thaindian News

New Delhi, Nov 11 (ANI): Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister-designate Ajit Pawar on Thursday denied reports of any rift with his predecessor Chaggan Bhujbal.

Ajit Pawar was in the national capital today to seek blessings of his uncle, Sharad Pawar, who heads the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).

“Yesterday, we were being asked by the Mumbai print media if Chaggan Bhujbal is angry, and today, here, again you are asking the same. There is nothing like this. We all want to work together and we would continue to do so in the future, as well,” said Ajit Pawar.

It has been reported that Chaggan Bhujbal was initially unhappy with the shuffle, which he expressed during the NCP party meeting on Wednesday. But later accepted the party decision to pave the way for Ajit Pawar after being pacified by senior leaders like Sharad Pawar and Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel.

Meanwhile, Praful Patel informed the media persons about the details of the minister’s oath taking later in the day, and confirmed that Chaggan Bhujbal would definitely get a portfolio in the fresh cabinet.

“The oath-taking ceremony of Maharashtra’s cabinet will take place today. The new Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister will take oath to their offices today. Ten ministers from Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) will also be taking oath and Chaggan Bhujbal will surely be in that list,” he said.

Former Minister of State for Science and Technology Prithviraj Chavan will be sworn-in as the 22nd Chief Minister of Maharashtra later today, while Ajit Pawar will take oath as Deputy Chief Minister.

Maharashtra Governor K Sankaranarayanan will administer oath of office and secrecy to them at 4.30 p.m. at the Raj Bhawan.

Both Chavan and Pawar met Governor Sankaranarayanan late on Wednesday night and staked a claim to form the new Government in the State. (ANI)