The reports that appeared in a section of media that Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu had sought the resignation of Tourism Minister Bhuma Akhila Priya on moral grounds for the tragic boat mishap at Vijayawada in which 22 persons died, created ripples in political circles.
According to these media reports, during a review meeting on Monday, Naidu reportedly turned his ire at Akhila Priya suddenly and pulled her up for the department’s indifferent attitude in allowing private boat agencies in Krishna river without permission.
Though he did not ask for Akhila’s resignation but said there were instances in the past that the ministers responsible for such tragedies had resigned. A stunned Akhila remained silent but felt that it was time to resign from the cabinet.
However, Naidu’s son and IT minister Nara Lokesh on Tuesday denied reports of Naidu asking for Akhila’s resignation.
He said Naidu had only expressed his ire at the department’[s failure and not Akhila.
“She is doing a fine job and she has bright future. But we will not spare the officials of the department who were hand in glove with the private boat operators,” he said.
