Sharad Pawar was invited to VVIP section, not fifth row, clarifies Rashtrapati Bhavan

Days after controversy over NCP chief Sharad Pawar skipping Prime Minister Narendra Modi's swearing-in ceremony due to seat allotment in the fifth row, the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Wednesday, June 5 clarified that the senior politician was invited to the VVIP section where most senior guests were seated.

In a tweet, Ashok Malik, Press Secretary to President Ram Nath Kovind stated that Pawar's seat was designated in the first row of the VVIP section.

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"At the swearing-in ceremony on May 30, Mr Sharad Pawar was invited to the "V section", where the most senior guests sat. Even within "V", he had a labelled first row seat. Somebody in his office may have confused V (for VVIP) for the Roman V (five)," Malik said in a tweet.

The clarification was issued after contrary media reports and media queries received by the President's office, Malik explains in another tweet.

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As per various media reports, Pawar's party was miffed over seat allotment being contrary to protocol.

Prime Minister Modi and his council of ministers were sworn in for a second term on May 30 at a grand-ceremony organized in the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Several foreign dignitaries including the leaders from BIMSTEC nations attended the event.