Hyderabad: There seems to be no end to
troubles for Union Minister Jairam Ramesh, who is now facing
stiff opposition from some partymen in Andhra Pradesh over his
re-nomination to the Rajya Sabha.
Ramesh was yesterday pulled up by Prime Minister Manmohan
Singh for his remarks in China against the Union Home Ministry
that its "alarmist" approach towards Chinese investments was
putting "needless" restrictions on these.
Congress leaders in Andhra Pradesh are reportedly
opposing the environment minister`s re-nomination to the Upper
House from the state in the biennial elections due next month.
Ramesh, a native of Karnataka, was elected to Rajya Sabha
from AP in 2004 as the Congress had big numbers in the state
Assembly.
Congress` strength in the Assembly is depleted now and
can win only four seats but there are too many aspirants
within the state for these seats.
While this is one reason for the state Congress leaders`
opposition to Ramesh`s re-nomination, the main reason is said
to be the Union Minister`s "neglect" of AP`s interests in
matters related to his ministry.
"As an MP from Andhra Pradesh, he has done no good for
the state in his capacity as the Union Minister," is the
contention of local Congress leaders.
"Though he is heading the environment ministry, Ramesh
failed to get required environmental clearances for the
Polavaram irrigation project or help it secure a national
project status," a top PCC leader pointed out.
The state government finds itself handicapped in
taking up the massive project without Central assistance even
as opposition parties have taken the agitation path seeking
early completion of the project.
PTI
