BRS Leader Harish Rao Calls for CBI Probe into Singareni Tender Controversy
In a dramatic press conference held on Sunday, BRS deputy floor leader and former minister T Harish Rao demanded a thorough investigation by either the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or a Supreme Court judge into the controversial Singareni coal block tenders case. The Hyderabad-based politician expressed apprehension that he might soon receive a notice from the Special Investigation Team (SIT) for his persistent exposure of alleged governmental irregularities in the Naini coal block tenders issue.
Allegations of Congress-Era Scams and Policy Manipulation
Harish Rao launched a scathing attack on the Congress government, claiming that their tenure has been marked by increased burdens on Singareni Collieries Company Limited due to numerous scams and misdeeds. "During the Congress stint, there were no schemes, only scams," he declared emphatically. The former minister alleged that Singareni policies were systematically altered to serve the selfish interests of Congress leaders, compromising the organization's integrity and financial health.
Criticism of Chief Minister Revanth Reddy's Governance
The BRS leader expressed particular frustration with Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy's administration, accusing him of bringing what he called a "scams calendar" instead of a job calendar for the state. Harish Rao further alleged that Revanth Reddy, in collusion with Andhra Pradesh leaders, has perpetrated injustice against Telangana in crucial river water matters, exacerbating regional tensions.
Controversy Over Site Visit Certificate System
One of the central allegations made by Harish Rao concerns the site visit certificate system for overburden (OB) works. He directly challenged Finance Minister Bhatti Vikramarka's claim that this practice has been longstanding, clarifying that no such site visit certificate system for OB works has ever existed in India. The BRS leader noted that tenders for various OB works were conducted between 2018 and 2024 without any site visit certificate requirement.
Harish Rao demanded immediate transparency through the release of meeting minutes with contractors regarding the site visit certificate implementation. He mocked Bhatti Vikramarka's statement about speaking to the chief minister if he received a letter, calling the response "laughable" and indicative of the government's casual approach to serious allegations.
Questions About Ministerial Accountability
The former minister raised pointed questions about ministerial responsibility, recalling that in the past, ministers would traditionally resign when faced with corruption allegations. He specifically questioned whether Bhatti Vikramarka might be a beneficiary in the alleged scams, stating that "whether Bhatti is a beneficiary or not will be determined during the investigation."
In a surprising twist, Harish Rao acknowledged Bhatti Vikramarka's political experience, describing him as "the most deserving leader for the highest position in Congress" while lamenting that he was working merely for Revanth Reddy's satisfaction despite his vast experience.
Historical Context and Ongoing Demands
Harish Rao reminded the public that it was the Congress party that originally introduced the site visit certificate system for Singareni OB works. He accused Finance Minister Bhatti Vikramarka of actively protecting those involved in the alleged scams from exposure, thereby obstructing transparency and accountability.
The BRS leader's press conference represents a significant escalation in political tensions surrounding the Singareni tender case, with his demand for a high-level investigation reflecting growing concerns about governance and transparency in Telangana's crucial mining sector.
