Sharad Pawar relieved of consumer affairs portfolio

NEW DELHI - Under attack for his alleged failure in curbing the rising prices of essential commodities, senior minister Sharad Pawar Wednesday was relieved of the charge of consumer affairs and food though he retained the agriculture portfolio.

The consumer affairs and food portfolio was given to K.V. Thomas.

Thomas was sworn in Wednesday as the new minister of state for consumer affairs, food and public distribution with independent charge.

Pawar, however, has got additional charge of food processing industries in the much awaited reshuffle of the cabinet by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.