Pawar asks Manmohan Singh to reduce his burden

New Delhi, July 5 (ANI): The newly-elected International Cricket Council (ICC) President and Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar met Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh on Monday and requested him to 'reduce the burden' on him.

"I met the Prime Minister today and have requested him to reduce my burden," said Pawar, who handles the Agriculture, Food and Consumer Affairs portfolios, but has only one Minister of State K V Thomas to assist him.

On being asked whether more Ministers should be inducted in his Ministry, Pawar said: "That is up to him (Prime Minister). It's the prerogative of the Prime Minister. This is for the Prime Minister to decide.

Pawar further said that he had been telling about this to Dr Singh for the last six months.

"I want more time with my party and ICC and all those stuff. I have agriculture, food and consumer affairs department. For so many years, I have been in the government," said Pawar.

"This year, I will complete 44 years in Parliament and Assembly and I think 25-26 years in the government. I need relief," added the 70-year-old leader.awar formally took over as the ICC President on July 1.

He is the second Indian after Jagmohan Dalmiya to occupy the top cricket post. (ANI)