Hyderabad, July 17: The Chief Minister, Dr Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy, has decided to take up the KG basin gas controversy with the Centre.
Annoyed over the delay in increasing the gas supply to the state, Dr Reddy is planning to use his influence in the Congress to expedite a decision from the Centre on the ongoing dispute between Reliance Industries Limiter chairman, Mr Mukesh Ambani and and Reliance Dhirubhai Ambani Group chairman, Mr Anil Ambani.
He will meet the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, and the petroleum minister, Mr Murali Deora, on the issue.
Several power producers in the state have raised their objections over a probable delay in the supply of gas in the wake of the Mumbai High Court’s decision in favour of Anil Ambani’s Reliance Natural Resources Limited. He made it clear that the KG basin gas can never be a private property and the state has every right to demand more gas for its development.
Dr Reddy will present several projects proposed with the KG basin gas before the Centre and request them to take a decision in favour of the state.
Meanwhile, the chances have brightened for the Polavaram and Devadula projects to be accorded national project status.
The Chief Minister will meet the water resources minister and press for an early announcement and seek the release of funds. The Centre had already informed the state that it would give national status to at least one project this year.
“The Chief Minister will meet seven Union ministers during his two-day tour. Depending on the time and appointment, he will also meet the party president, Ms Sonia Gandhi, to request her to bring pressure on the Centre to grant more projects to Andhra Pradesh,” said an official in the Chief Minister’s Office .
Dr Reddy will give details about the launching of cooperative farming and mineral water supply to villages in the state. Sources said he will also try to get an extension of deputation for his secretary, Mr M.G.V.K. Bhanu, for a record fourth time. He is planning to seek an extension for for 14 years.
–Agencies