In a major shock to the United Progressive Alliance (UPA), the union minister for agriculture Sharad Pawar (NCP) and another minister from Congress Praful Patel reportedly resigned for their posts. The reports indicated that both were unhappy with the UPA Government as they were not made number two in the UPA after that position fell vacant. It may be noted that Pranab Mukherjee was number two in UPA.

With Pranab Mukherjee moving out of the party for contesting presidential polls, the number two slot has been occupied by the defense minister AK Antony. Therefore, Sharad Pawar (NCP chief) was upset. As per seniority, Sharad Pawar was eligible for number two slot. However, the Congress party argued that NCP's MP s were low in number compared to Congress and gave the position to the defense minister. Upset over this, NCP  chief resigned for his post.

There's no information so far whether or not the prime minister accepted the resignations. In case, if it's accepted who will be made the agriculture minister is another hot debate, which is going on.

(AW Phani)