Haven't sought more ministerial berths: Pawar

MUMBAI: Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar has said he has not demanded additional ministerial berths for his party leaders or his MP daughter Supriya Sule, in the Union ministry.

"I haven't demanded any additional berths," Pawar said in an informal interaction with media here last night after being felicitated on being elected International Cricket Council (ICC) president.

On his request to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to 'reduce his burden', the NCP chief said he had asked for a reduction in his portfolios to focus on strengthening his party's base.

"There are some districts in Maharashtra where I have not been able to visit in a couple of years. I want to go and meet people and interact with the youth," Pawar said.

"Given the strength of my party in Parliament, I can't ask for additional ministerial berths," Pawar said.

To a query, he denied that NCP had demanded that Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel be elevated to Cabinet rank.

Refuting claims that the ICC responsibilities would consume much of his time, Pawar said he needs to go to Dubai office of the apex cricket body once a month over a weekend.

The felicitation ceremony was organised by Deputy Chief Minister Chhagan Bhujbal in a suburban luxury hotel.

Maharashtra Governor K Sankaranarayanan felicitated Pawar on his elevation as president of the ICC.

Pawar rubbished reports in a section of media that Bhujbal would be inducted in the Union ministry so that his nephew Ajit Pawar could be the new deputy chief minister.