There seems to be no end to troubles for India's Minister Jairam Ramesh, who is now facing stiff opposition from some partymen in Andhra Pradesh over his re-nomination to the Rajya Sabha.
Ramesh was Monday pulled up by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for his remarks in China against the Union Home Ministry that its "alarmist" approach towards Chinese investments was putting "needless" restrictions on these.
Congress leaders in Andhra Pradesh state in south India are reportedly opposing the environment minister's re-nomination to the Upper House (Rajya Sabha) from the state in the biennial elections due next month.
Ramesh, a native of Karnataka, was elected to Rajya Sabha from AP in 2004 as the Congress had big numbers in the state Assembly.
Congress' strength in the Assembly is depleted now and can win only four seats but there are too many aspirants within the state for these seats.
While this is one reason for the state Congress leaders' opposition to Ramesh's re-nomination, the main reason is said to be the Union Minister's "neglect" of AP's interests in
matters related to his ministry.
"As an MP from Andhra Pradesh, he has done no good for the state in his capacity as the Union Minister," is the contention of local Congress leaders.
"Though he is heading the environment ministry, Ramesh failed to get required environmental clearances for the Polavaram irrigation project or help it secure a national
project status," a top PCC leader pointed out.
The state government finds itself handicapped in taking up the massive project without Central assistance even as opposition parties have taken the agitation path seeking
early completion of the project.