Differences between rural development minister Jairam Ramesh and finance minister P Chidambaram are far from over. In the latest, after Chidambaram got all-round praise for his innovative thinking in announcing a women’s bank in his budget, Ramesh has now shot off a letter to the finance minister bringing out the fact that it was Andra Pradesh which had set up a financial institution exclusively for women. 

In his letter to Chidambaram, which had the 23-page concept note on ‘Sthree Nidhi’ scheme of the Andhra Pradesh government as attachment, Ramesh suggested that the proposed women’s bank should take out the salient features of the scheme for incorporation. Ramesh is also an elected member to Rajya Sabha from Andhra Pradesh.

Ramesh taking on Chidambaram is not new. Even on earlier occasions, he has countered him during cabinet meetings. According to sources, prime minister Manmohan Singh is finding it difficult to bring rapprochement between the two on matters of financial policy.

The corridors of North Block are abuzz with the talks about the difference between the two ministers.

Insiders say Ramesh has the backing of UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on key matters of rural development.