Uddhav Thackeray to take call today
Upset with the relatively “insignificant” portfolio allocated to him in the new BJP-led NDA Government, senior Shiv Sena leader Anant Geete on Tuesday chose not to take charge of the Heavy Industries Ministry allocated to him by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
On a day when Shiv Sena made no bones about its displeasure over the inadequate ministerial representation given to it in the new Government, Geete confirmed that he had not taken charge of the Heavy Industries ministry, as he was not happy with the portfolio had been allocated.
“I have briefed my party leadership about my decision. The Sena has already taken up the issue with the BJP for a change in portfolio. Our President Uddhav Thackerayji will take a decision in the matter tomorrow,” Geete told The Pioneer on Tuesday night.
Notwithstanding his decision not to assume charge of the Heavy Industries Ministry, Geete attended the Modi government’s first Cabinet meeting held in the capital on Tuesday evening.
Informed Sena sources said that Uddhav, who returned to Mumbai on Tuesday after attending the Modi Government’s swearing-in ceremony on Monday, held a detailed discussion with Geete on the issue earlier in the day.
“Geete decided not to take charge of the Heavy Industries Ministry after consulting the Sena President,” a senior party leader said. Being both the oldest ally of the BJP and as a party that has won 18 seats in the lok Sabha polls, the Shiv Sena was expecting at least three ministries – a cabinet berth with a significant portfolio and at least two Minister of State slots in the new government.
“But, what has miffed the Sena leadership is that the party has been given only one ministry and that too an insignificant portfolio,” party sources said.