CM flayed for hike in power charges

Former minister DK Samarasimha Reddy said that crucial issues like power hike should be discussed in cabinet and a decision should be taken.

Ministers are not rubber stamps and they should be taken into confidence before taking a decision which has far reaching consequences, he said.

If the Chief Minister has his way, there is no need for ministers, he said in an apparent jibe at his sister-in-law, DK Aruna who the information minister.

Meanwhile, CPM floor leader Julakanti Ranga Reddy said an all party meet should have been convened and discussed the issue before increasing the power charges. YSR was an elected leader hence there were no hike of power charges during his term while tariff increased steeply as Kiran Kumar Reddy is a nominated Chief Minister, YSRCP spokesperson Bajireddy Goverdhan said.

However, Minister Kondru Murali has supported the Chief Minister saying that the decision was not unilateral and it would be discussed in the cabinet. Ministers C Ramachandriah and DL Ravindra Reddy were vocal about their opposition to the hike in power charges.