Jaipal Reddy’s shift out of Petroleum triggers storm

NEW DELHI: The shifting of S Jaipal Reddy from Petroleum Ministry has created a political storm with the decision coming under attack and the minister himself is said to be unhappy over being moved to Science and Technology Ministry.
70-year-old Reddy, who was made Petroleum Minister in January 2011, maintained he has no regrets over losing Petroleum but some wry answers he gave at a press conference indicated his apparent sulk.
As BJP and civil society leaders attacked the Prime Minister’s decision to take Reddy out of Petroleum Ministry as having been dictated by corporate pressure, the Andhra Pradesh veteran kept away when his successor M Veerappa Moily took charge of the portfolio.
Reddy himself assumed charge of Science and Technology before which Moily came to his residence and held consultations with him in an apparent bid to assuage his feelings.
“Many a times it happens (that) you avoid taking decisions. That is not a solution. Avoiding or delaying decision is not a solution. And this is where we need to very seriously work on,” Moily said on taking over in remarks interpreted as oblique reference to Reddy’s stint.
Decisions, he said, would be taken keeping national interest in mind and not to “benefit one or two individuals or companies.” He promised quick decisions and a conducive environment for investment to flow-in.
Reddy denied he was unhappy about the shift. He said the Prime Minister took him into confidence about the change in portfolio and “that was enough for me.” He, however, gave no reasons for the decision.-PTI