Ponnala wants panel to probe allegations

Major Irrigation Minister Ponnala Laxmaiah on Wednesday met Chief Minister K Rosaiah at his Camp Office and explained to him the demand by a few Congress leaders that he resign owning responsibility for graft in Jalayagnam project works.

The meeting assumes significance after several leaders demanded his resignation for the alleged irregularities in the irrigation project works under the Jalayagnam.

The leaders also planned to submit a memorandum to Governor E S L Narasimham over the allegations against the Irrigation Minister.

He informed the Chief Minister that the allegations were baseless. He urged the Chief Minister to constitute an inquiry committee to look into the allegations against him.

He asked the Chief Minister to issue a stern warning to senior leaders of party before raising such allegations against Ministers and ruling party members.

Top priority had been accorded to the backward regions, particularly Telangana in the irrigation works, he claimed.On Polavaram, the minister said it was after due deliberations that the design was finalized for the project.“The question of my quitting did not arise as there was no truth in the allegations,” he said.