Heated exchange of words among ministers, first over the adverse campaign against former chief minister, Dr Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy, and then on the fee reimbursement issue marred the state Cabinet meeting held here on Monday.
The tourism and sports minister, Mr Vatti Vasanth Kumar, objected to attempts made by ministers and several Congress leaders to defame YSR and his schemes. Though not referring directly to the health minister, Mr D.L. Ravindra Reddy, the tourism minister did not approve of ministers talking ill of 108 and 104 services which helped the party retain power in 2009.
The minister sought to explain that the Congress leaders or ministers should differentiate between YSR and his rebel son Mr Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy. He wondered why several ministers were hesitating to give a strong rebuttal to Jagan’s criticism of the government.
The health minister sharply reacted to his colleague’s remarks and wanted him to go through his statements before making any comments.
“I know that YSR and Jagan are different when it comes to Congress,” he said adding that he never criticised YSR’s schemes.
The minister also went on to explain that it was Kiran Kumar Reddy government which released funds to 104 services though YSR designed the project. “Our intention is not to show YSR in poor light but in certain circumstances we shall not hesitate to speak the truth,” said the minister who got support from the home minister,” Ms P. Sabita Reddy.
The infrastructure minister, Mr Komatireddy Venkata Reddy, also joined the issue taking exception to the Praja Rajyam chief, Mr K. Chiranjeevi’s announcement in Delhi that YSR regime was corrupt. “He has the audacity to criticise YSR on the day of the announcement of merger itself,” he said. The chief minister intervened and informed the ministers about Mr Chiranjeevi being told about not criticising YSR.