Unresolved issues to be taken up with PM: Saryu Rai

Ranchi: Saryu Rai, minister of Jharkhand's ruling BJP government, is perhaps the only minister in the country, who has been a regular critic, outlining the shortcomings of the government for the past four years.

In an exclusive interview with ETV Bharat, Rai said that he had recently written to the Chief Minister Raghuvar Das questioning about the mining policy of the government, along with the 'red tape' associated with it.

Rai, known for raising his voice against corruption, said that he had been embarrassed over the working of the present government and asserted that his post as the Civil Supplies minister in Raghuvar Das's cabinet was insignificant with his opinions not being heard properly.

Recalling his association with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rai said that he had met the latter in August 2017 and had offered to quit his post, but refrained, owing to the assurances of the PM.

He further said that he was an old acquaintance of Modi and has been continuing in the Jharkhand government, on the latter's word.

With respect to Rai's appeal, PM reportedly stated that any problematic issue should be resolved with coordinated efforts from everyone, at the earliest.

Rai also said that he had requested the government to release himself from the position of Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and is currently working as the Civil Supplies Minister.

He later outlined on various other issues prevailing in the state and said that he would follow them up with constructive criticism, eliciting the help of Prime Minister Narendra Modi