Kejriwal questions Jaipal’s removal from petroleum ministry

New Delhi : Activist-turned-politician Arvind Kejriwal Monday questioned the decision of the government to transfer Jaipal Reddy from the Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry to Science and Technology.

Kejriwal said: “Jaipal Reddy is considered to be an honest man and he was removed. Salman Khurshid, who was exposed in corruption charges, was promoted by the government.”

Kejriwal had earlier taken to the streets demanding Khurshid’s resignation as law minister (the portfolio he earlier held) over allegations that a trust he ran along with his wife had misappropriated grants worth Rs.71.50 lakh.

Slamming the government for promoting Khurshid, Kejriwal said: “It seems that the government is conveying a message that corrupt people will be rewarded and honest people will get a demotion.”

In the cabinet reshuffle Sunday, Reddy was transferred from the crucial petroleum ministry to the ministry of science and technology. M. Veerappa Moily was handed the petroleum ministry.

Salman Khurshid was elevated from the law ministry to foreign affairs Sunday.

Meanwhile, senior BJP leader M. Venkaiah Naidu also demanded clarifications from the government over the transfer of Jaipal Reddy in the cabinet reshuffle.

Naidu, seeking clarification from the government on Reddy’s transfer, said: “The prime minister must explain why Jaipal Reddy was removed and given an unimportant portfolio. Was there pressure from industrial houses?”