No Discontent Over Portfolio Change: Talasani

Rejecting the comments of Congress leader Marri Shashidhar Reddy that he was demoted for harassing businessmen, traders and officials, Telangana minister Talasani Srinivas Yadav today said that he was not discontented over being stripped of the commercial taxes portfolio and being given the insignificant portfolio of animal husbandry, dairy development and fisheries (he who retains his cinematography portfolio).

After taking charge of the new portfolios followed by a review meeting with the officials concerned at the Secretariat, Yadav tried to downplay Shashidhar Reddy's jibe as a useless comment.

"Neither is the new portfolio a demotion nor have I any heartburn over being shifted to another department," he said, adding that he would accept any portfolio or any duty offered by the Chief Minister.

As the posers from journalists continued, Yadav added that during the TRS plenary in Khammam, even Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao had denied that the portfolio change was a demotion or a shock given to him as was being reported in a section of the media.

Yadav stated that his immediate job was to focus on strengthening the new departments. "I will make field visits in the districts and ensure that these wings are developed to a great extent," he said. "The animal husbandry, fisheries and dairy development wings have scope for growth, and I will make efforts in that direction. Besides filling vacant posts in the animal husbandry department, we will set up Vijaya Dairy Parlours at all tourism spots, and undertake welfare measures for fishermen and shepherds across the State."

The minister expressed hope that Mission Kakatiya - the TRS government's flagship program of revival of lakes and water bodies - would encourage fish cultivation in villages.