Chief Minister YSR Loocks On petrol, water
The Chief Minister, Dr Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy, has set his eyes on two crucial portfolios: Petroleum and natural gas and water resources. As Dr Reddy sees it, the state has contributed the largest nu-mber of MPs to the Congress and should be rewarded.
Dr Reddy wants MPs from the state to handle the two portfolios. ONGC and Gail had troubled the state government over the last five years and stranded gas-based power projects, forcing the government to impose supply cuts.
Control over the water resources ministry would give Dr Reddy freedom to continue his Jalayaganam programme, to secure permission for projects and funds for Polavaram, Pra-nahita-Chevella, Ellam-palli, Dummugudem and Nagarjunasagar modernisation.
Dr Reddy is to meet the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, and the Congress chief, Mrs Sonia Gandhi, and press for the two ministries.
Dr Reddy has been lobbying for the minister of state seat in the railway ministry to make up for the “negligence” meted out to the state.
Dr Reddy has hinted this to the senior leader, Mr Pranab Mukherjee, who sources said has assured the Chief Minister of his support. Dr Reddy is also keen on the MoS posts in the surface transport, rural development, shipping and coal ministries.
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