New Delhi: Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises Minister Praful Patel, who lost the Civil Aviation portfolio in the Cabinet reshuffle on Wednesday, said that he was happy with his new portfolio.
Patel said, "I am very happy that I am getting a Cabinet berth. I think I deserve it as I have been an MP for the last 20 years. Portfolio allocation is the Prime Minister's prerogative but I had conveyed the fact that I am open to everything."
Vayalar Ravi replaced Patel as the Civil Aviation Minister.
Ajay Maken who become the Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports expressed satisfaction with the portfolio given to him.
Wishing the Indian cricket team all the best for the upcoming World Cup, Maken said, "I believe that sportsmen and not politicians should be at the front for sports management and I will work towards that."
Maken also said that youth affairs is a very important department since a considerable section of Indian citizens are young.
Ajay Maken replaced MS Gill as the Sports and Youth Affairs Minister.
Jaipal Reddy who got the Petroleum and Natural gas portfolio said that the change in guard won't change the ground realities about petrol prices. Commenting on rising petrol prices, Reddy said, "We will have to accept the reality that crude prices are up and hence, there is a rise in petrol prices."
Reddy also defended the government saying, "No government is happy to raise prices. Government has reasons to hike petrol prices. Murli Deora didn't take decisions in personal capacity. I can't bring about radical changes."
Vilasrao Deshmukh has been given Rural Development and additional charge of Panchayati Raj. Stating that this would help him strengthen his party even in Maharashtra, Deshmukh said, "I began as sarpanch. I iniated rural development program in Maharashtra, so I am happy. This ministry will help me strengthen my party even in Maharashtra."
Corporate Affairs Minister Murli Deora was removed from the Petroleum and Natural Gas portfolio. Commenting on the new portfolio, Deora said, "I have to study to understand the ministry." He also added that Jaipal Reddy will go equally good or better than him as Petroleum Minister.
Beni Prasad Verma, who became the Minister of State for Steel said, "I am very happy with my portfolio and have full faith in my party and government."
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