The union minister Jaipal Reddy has spoken yet another time over the criticism he has been drawing for allegedly allocating gas to Maharashtra. Mr. Jaipal Reddy said his role was as the petroleum minister was limited in terms of gas allocation. He has, however, said he had been conducting talks with the fellow minister. Jaipal Reddy has also said that Andhra Pradesh would soon hear some good news on gas allocation decision. He even mentioned that it was tough to tell whether the decision taken in 2008 on gas allocation was right or wrong.

These statements of Jaipal Reddy have triggered yet another debate among political circles. Jaipal Reddy stating that his role was nominal gave raise to many doubts, said experts. Anyway, leaders will now apparently wait and watch what relaxation the state would get.

(AW Phani)