Cabinet reshuffle: Excited to be Science and Technology Minister, says Jaipal Reddy

Last Updated: Monday, October 29, 2012, 18:48

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Tags: Reliance Industries, Petroleum, Veerappa Moily, Jaipal Reddy, Natural gas, Cabinet reshuffle

Zeenews Bureau

New Delhi: While rubbishing all speculations that he is upset over his transfer from the Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry, Jaipal Reddy the new Science and Technology Minister said he was never happy when was given Petroleum Ministry similarly now also he is not.

“I was never happy when I was given Petroleum Ministry similarly now I am not,” Jaipal Reddy said to the reporters.

Addressing media after taking charge of the new ministry, Reddy said on Monday evening, "I needed some time to take charge. I had told the secretary that I will take charge at 5 pm. You are free to exercise you imagination."

Earlier today, speculations were high that since Reddy has been given Ministry of Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, he was very upset.

Denying the charges Reddy said, “My priority would be to be a faithful party man. I trust my Prime Minister and share a very warm relation with him.

Reddy further said, "The Prime Minister took me into confidence about the change of my portfolio. That was enough for me.”

Reddy’s transfer to Science and Technology Ministry is seen as a demotion and reports have appeared that he was transferred for his run-in with Reliance Industries owned by Mukesh Ambani.

Reddy refused to comment on his exit, but supporters said his options are limited.

Reddy took over as the Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister last year, replacing Murli Deora.

The Petroleum Ministry, which was scene of the nation's biggest corporate battle a few years ago, had almost gone into limbo after Reddy took over in January 2011.

From delaying approval to India's largest foreign direct investment (FDI) to being a reluctant party to fuel reforms, the ministry is accused of being regressive and negative towards the industry during the past 22 months.

Reddy took on Reliance on multiple fronts over its DG gas fields in the Krishna Godavari (KG) basin. Once India’s second-biggest producer of natural gas, the DG fields have been under-performing.

The Reliance-led consortium has said the problems are related to geological complexities, but Reddy had asked arbitrators to look at the matter.

With ANI inputs

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First Published: Monday, October 29, 2012, 11:30

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RAGHAVENDRA R PAWAR - BANGALORE
Clearly shows that there is no place for honest minister who discharge his dutires in accordance with set of procedures and rules. Media’s should write more and more on this issue would help anyone to approach court to investigate further deep in to Reliance role. PM has to have a look on media reports on removing him from Petrolium ministry and answer to suspicious with touching his soul instead defending his action as he had the power to change and allot portpolion to his favour ministers being head of the council of minister.