Minister for Handlooms and Textiles P. Shankar Rao, who has been at the centre of several controversies in the past, was at it again on Friday. It was now the turn of his Personal Assistant Venkatesh, to be at the receiving end. At a review meeting with entrepreneurs on the progress of industries at the Growth Centre at Bobbili, Dr. Shankar Rao struck his PA to the shock and dismay of those present.

Mr. Venkatesh is on deputation from the APSRTC to the Minister's office. The Minister lost his cool when his mobile phone began ringing in the midst of the review meeting. He signalled Mr. Venkatesh, who was some distance away, to receive the call. As there was some delay on the part of the PA to reach him, Dr. Shankar Rao turned back and threw his hand at him. However, Dr. Shankar Rao's aides were at pains to explain that the Minister had turned back only to take the cellphone from his PA.

Published Date : Saturday, 9/4/2011 1:48 PM IST