Assumes charge of S&T portfolio, skips Moily’s takeover
Senior Congress leader Jaipal Reddy on Monday assumed charge as Union Minister for Science and Technology amid speculation that he was shunted out of the Petroleum Ministry under pressure from a large industrial house.
Addressing a crowded press conference here after assuming charge, Mr. Reddy declined to comment on the reason for his being shifted.
He merely kept repeating, “It has been my effort to be a faithful party man and a truthful Minister. That has been my focus.”
“No move for rally”
Asked about reports that his supporters were planning to hold a protest rally in Andhra Pradesh, Mr. Reddy denied there was any such move.
He stressed that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had taken him into confidence about the change in his portfolio. Responding to a query, Mr. Reddy said he did not ask for the reason nor did the Prime Minister give one.
“The Prime Minister took me into confidence about the change in my portfolio. That was enough for me… My relationship with the PM is excellent. He has always shown affection for me and had implicit trust in me.”
Mr. Reddy, however, stressed that he was never eager for any specific portfolio. “I have never haggled for any portfolio… I don’t take position for portfolios. I take positions on issues.”
Interestingly, the veteran Congressman kept away when his successor M. Veerappa Moily took charge of the Petroleum Ministry earlier in the morning.
Asked about his priorities in his new portfolio, Mr. Reddy said he would strive to take forward the efforts to improve the global ranking of Indian science to the fifth position from the current ninth position by the end of the 12th Plan period, with an increase in the number of full-time researchers to 2.54 lakh from 1.54 lakh.
Noting that the government had been proactive in promoting science and technology and a budget of Rs. 60,800 crore had been allocated for it under the 12th Plan, he emphasised that Dr. Singh himself had been giving personal attention to the sector. “I am excited to be appointed as the Minister for Science and Technology.”
Asked about his views on genetically modified crops, Mr. Reddy said: “There is a debate going on globally. Let the scientific community itself first reach a consensus.”
Keywords: Cabinet reshuffle, Union Cabinet reshuffle, Jaipal Reddy, Veerappa Moily, Petroleum Minister, Science and Technology Minister
Most news analysts and politicos have started seeing Jaipal Reddy as a paragon of virtue ,post his divesture of the Petroleum ministry. More astounding is the general comment that he has been saddled with a "less important" portfolio of Science and Technology,which explains why Indian scientists and technologists leave our shores in droves to the West which gives "most importance" to Science and Tech.
Central Minister Jaipal Reddy is shifted from the Petroleum and Natural gas portfolio, presumably, as part of a rigorous exercise of face-polishing for the Cabinet. There was report that he would have to move under pressure from a major industrial house. For the common man there are two factors that worry him. Firstly, he wonders that there was a Minister, who resisted the Reliance power and saved the exchequer thousands of crores of rupees and brought the giant under the scrutiny of the CAG, ever existed in the corruption-filled Manmohan Singh government. Secondly, it is seen that, in no time, Reddy is divested of his powers over RIL, commensurate with Congress and UPA traditions, as if in a challenge to the poor voter.
Sri Reddy claims that he is faithful to his Political Party .
In my opinion ,he meant actually obedient which is preceded by some
bait ,in the instant case, continuation in the ministerial chair. This
is door mat theory.
If really meant 'faithful' either to the party or to the government,he
would have resigned as his reputation was hit through shift to
insignificant position.
The present day politians have always a price which is not costly.
Please Email the Editor