Anbumani Ramadoss has not turned down AP's plea

Hyderabad, Nov 27 (UNI) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy today reiterated that Union Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss had not turned down the state's request for modifying the pictorial health warning on 'beedi' bundles as reported in a section of the press.

In fact, the Union Health Minister had clearly stated that he would meet all the stakeholders, including manufacturers, to find a way out, he told a press conference here.

Mr Ramadoss also read out a report from a reputed English daily in this connection, Dr Reddy added.

Senior Congress Parliamentarian Shivraj Patil had opposed the Bill when introduced in Parliament by the BJP-led NDA and had clearly pointed out the livelihood of the 'beedi' workers should be taken care of and the health legislation should be enacted only after taking care of their interests, Dr Reddy recalled.

It may be noted that the Centre had issued in July last a notification in the wake of the enactment of legislation by the Vajpayee Government making it mandatory for 'Beedi' manufacturers to carry the warning logo-- skull and cross bones-- on 'Beedi' packets from February 2007.

The issue has assumed political colour with the Opposition parties trying to corner the ruling Congress both at the Centre and in the state for electoral gains in the crucial bypoll in the beedi-labour dominated Karimnagar Lok Sabha constituency.

Realising the possible political fallout, he had spoken to UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi as also Mr Ramadoss and Union Labour Minister Oscar Fernandes to come out with legal measures to protect the 'beedi' workers and overcome political damage.

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