Rajiv Gandhi promised to make me CM, claims Hanumanth Rao

State Government Advisor V Hanumanth Rao recalled his close association with former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, claiming Gandhi had promised to make him Chief Minister before his untimely death. Rao, while paying floral tributes at Gandhi Bhavan, credited Gandhi’s technology-driven vision for the widespread use of mobile phones.

Hyderabad: The State Government Advisor V Hanumanth Rao recalled that he enjoyed a close relationship with former Prime Minister, the late Rajiv Gandhi and claimed that he had promised to make him the Chief Minister.

“It is my bad luck that Rajiv Gandhi passed away after making this promise to me,” Rao said. He offered floral tributes to the former Prime Minister’s portrait at Gandhi Bhavan here on Thursday.

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It was because of the former Prime Minister’s technology-driven vision that many people are now using mobile phones in the country, he said.

The State Government Advisor further reminded Energy Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka that power cables laid over 50 years ago are still operational in different areas.

“In a few areas, even the Nizam-era power cables are being used. Due to these old power cables, short circuits are occurring and people, who lack insurance coverage, are suffering loss,” Rao said, adding that the Energy Minister should initiate measures to replace these old power cables.