BRS Demands Immediate Dismissal of Minister Over Illegal Mining Allegations
The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) on Sunday issued a strong demand for the immediate dismissal of minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, citing serious allegations of corruption and involvement in illegal mining activities. BRS working president KT Rama Rao declared that the party would escalate the matter to the governor with a formal complaint if the state government fails to take decisive action. He further warned that the issue would be taken directly to the public through a large-scale agitation, signaling a significant political confrontation.
Documentary Evidence Presented by BRS Leader
KT Rama Rao, commonly known as KTR, stated that the allegations gained substantial credibility after BRS leader T Harish Rao presented documentary evidence. This evidence, reportedly sourced directly from government records, allegedly links a company associated with the minister's family to multiple illegal mining violations. KTR pointedly questioned why the government had taken action against other firms while seemingly protecting Raghava Constructions, the company in question.
Accusations Against Chief Minister and Minister's Family
KTR also launched a sharp critique against Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, accusing him of making contradictory statements on the matter. He referenced the chief minister's reported admission of irregularities, followed by attempts to distance the state government from any responsibility. According to KTR, the minister's wife, son, and brother are directly connected to Raghava Constructions, with Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy himself serving as its chairman between 2020 and 2022.
The BRS leader alleged that the chief minister's defence of the company suggests deeper, more systemic involvement. He connected the alleged illegal mining activities to contracts under the Kodangal Lift Irrigation Project and broader land-related irregularities, painting a picture of extensive misconduct.
Demand for House Committee and Judicial Probe
The BRS has formally demanded a house committee probe to investigate the roles of the minister, the chief minister, and other officials potentially involved. KTR raised alarming concerns about state mining revenue, claiming that the collected figures do not match expected amounts, which he argued indicates a large-scale diversion of public funds. He accused the government of shielding those involved despite legal provisions that mandate imprisonment for repeat violations.
Hyderabad Metro Land Scam Allegations
In a related development, KTR also addressed the Hyderabad Metro issue, alleging that the government is attempting to shift a private company's debt burden onto the public while gaining control over 280 acres of prime land. He characterized this as a major land scam and demanded a judicial inquiry led by a sitting high court judge to ensure transparency and accountability.
The BRS's aggressive stance and detailed allegations mark a significant escalation in political tensions, setting the stage for potential legal and public battles over governance and corruption in the state.
