The Union Minister for Petrol S Jaipal Reddy feels to call it a day at active politics and would most probably opt for a lesser docile post like being the Vice President. This could eventually lead him to the President-ship as only twice in the history of the country has the Vice President not been promoted.

Sources close to him say that he was under conflictive pressure and was uncertain about his winning again in the given situation. In spite of being a loyalist, the former Janata Dal leader, the Congress High Command, he was despised as the undercurrent for the separatist movement in Andhra Pradesh. Back home at Chevella, the Telangana part of the state, feel he had betrayed their struggle and could use his good offices at No.10 Janpath. With so many complications ahead the veteran wants to retire. But with the blessings of Sonia Gandhi he is bound to achieve his ambition, as the President tenure shall come to an end mid of next year.

Elevated to the petroleum ministry from the low profile urban development ministry, Jaipal has not had a good run with the central leadership of late. "To the party high command, Jaipal is an underground Telangana activist (suspected of having supported rebel Congress leader Komatireddy Venkatareddy) but on the ground, he is a betrayer to the cause. As a result, he has no option but to call it a day and the sooner it is, the better it is for him," said AICC sources. Jaipal Reddy himself was unavailable for comments but his aides said the Union minister still enjoys excellent rapport with Congress president Sonia Gandhi. "It is because he has superb ties that he is banking on being considered for the vice president's post. He is an excellent administrator and orator and will be perfect for that post," said a colleague of the minister.