New Delhi, Oct 29: Jaipal Reddy, who shed his Petroleum portfolio and took charge as Science & Technology Minister this evening, said it was the “exclusive prerogative” of the Prime Minister as far as cabinet formation was concerned.
Reddy took charge on Monday evening and faced a barrage of questions from mediapersons over his shifting from Petroleum portfolio.
“I am a faithful partyman and a truthful minister”, said Reddy.
“My relationship with my Prime Minister is excellent. He had been showing implicit trust and affection for me. I don't take positions on portfolios, I take position on issues”, said Reddy.
Replying to insistent questioning, Reddy said, “I have no regrets about portfolios. PM took me into confidence about change in my portfolio. That was enough for me.
“I have never in my life haffled or bargained for portfolios. I don't think on matters like portfolios, one should take positions”, said a glum-looking Reddy.
Asked whether there was corporate pressure on the UPA government over the shift from his portfolio, Reddy said: “When I changed from I&B to Urban Development, I never spoke about I&B. When I changed from UD to Petroleum, I never spoke about UD. It is my personal opinion I should not comment on earlier portfolios...You are free to indulge in your febrile imaginations”.
“I think PM should not tell reasons about change in portfolios, and as far as Telangana issue is concerned, UPA govt has not taken any position so far”, said Reddy.
Asked why he was not present to hand over the Petroleum charge to Moily, Reddy said, “I am not an officer to hand over charge. When I took over the Petroleum ministry, Murli Deora did not come to hand over charge.”
About the delay in taking charge of Science & Technology ministry, Reddy said, he had asked for a proper briefing from the officials before taking charge.
Reddy was flanked by Science & Technology ministry secretary Dr C Ramaswamy and Prof S K Brahmachari.
Reddy said, four scientists were heading four departments under the S&T ministry, and there were 8,000 research scientists working for bodies under the ministry
