Hyderabad witnessed a sharp critique in the state assembly on Saturday as AIMIM floor leader Akbaruddin Owaisi raised serious allegations about a recurring pattern of favouritism in government contracts. The legislator claimed that irrespective of the ruling party, a fixed set of contractors continues to reap benefits, urging the current government to break this cycle.
Allegations of Inflated Costs and Political Proximity
Akbaruddin Owaisi did not mince words while cautioning the state administration. "You know who I am talking about, but do not allow such things to happen," he stated emphatically. To substantiate his claim, he provided a concrete example from the past. He pointed out that during a previous government's tenure, benches supplied to government schools were purchased at heavily inflated prices, several times higher than their actual market cost.
Without directly naming any individual, the MIM leader painted a picture of a contractor who managed to stay influential across different political regimes. He alleged that a person who grew close to the powers during the time of former Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy subsequently managed to get closer to other chief ministers and governments that followed. This, he implied, ensured a continuous flow of lucrative contracts.
Irrigation Contracts Labelled an 'ATM Machine'
Owaisi reserved his strongest criticism for the irrigation sector, which he described as a cash cow for favoured contractors. "Irrigation contracts have become an ATM machine," he remarked, asserting that these deals have disproportionately benefited a select few. Given the gravity of the allegations and the large sums of public money involved, he formally urged the state government to order a comprehensive investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into all such contracts.
During the assembly discussion on irrigation projects, Owaisi also took a dig at the absence of former Chief Minister and BRS president K. Chandrasekhar Rao. He noted that KCR was not present in the House for the debate. In a veiled reference, he added, "Just when that one person showed interest to attend the House sessions, his party chose to stay away from the session." He further questioned the commitment to the poor in these matters, asking, "Where is the poor name?"
A Call for Constructive Governance
Beyond the allegations, Akbaruddin Owaisi offered advice to the ruling Congress government. He advised the administration to focus on working in the interest of Telangana and its people, rather than merely targeting the previous government for its failures. This constructive approach, he stressed, is especially crucial in sensitive matters like securing the state's rightful share of water from inter-state projects.
The remarks have sparked a fresh debate on transparency and accountability in the awarding of government contracts in Telangana, putting the spotlight on the practices of both past and present administrations.
