Telangana Chief Minister Offers to Transfer Phone Tapping Case to CBI
In a significant development, Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy announced on Thursday that the state government is prepared to hand over the alleged phone tapping case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). This offer is contingent upon Union Minister G Kishan Reddy submitting a formal written request. The statement was made during an open interaction with reporters in Delhi, highlighting the ongoing political tensions and investigative processes in the state.
Details on the Phone Tapping Investigation
Revanth Reddy provided insights into the complexities of the phone tapping case, noting that Prabhakar Rao, the individual allegedly responsible for the surveillance, fled abroad for a period of 20 months. Rao, who served as the former chief of the Special Intelligence Bureau (SIB), was eventually brought back to India following orders from the Supreme Court. The Chief Minister explained that notices from the Special Investigation Team (SIT) are being issued to individuals only after Prabhakar Rao's interrogation has been completed.
He further revealed that computers and hard disks within the SIB were destroyed after the change in government, adding a layer of challenge to the investigation. The Telangana High Court has taken up the phone tapping case suo motu, indicating judicial oversight and the seriousness of the allegations.
CBI Probes into Other Cases
Beyond the phone tapping issue, Revanth Reddy indicated that the state government plans to hand over power purchase agreement (PPA) cases to the CBI. He also addressed the Kaleshwaram project, stating that the state had previously requested a CBI investigation into the matter, but it remains pending with the central government. The Chief Minister demanded an explanation from Union Minister Kishan Reddy regarding why a CBI probe has not been ordered for the Kaleshwaram project.
Criticizing the narrative that only three pillars of the Kaleshwaram project collapsed, Revanth Reddy argued that if a bomb were placed inside a project, it would explode above, not below. He promised to disclose whether it was three or thirty pillars after receiving confirmation from the relevant committee, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in infrastructure projects.
Cooperation and Political Statements
Revanth Reddy expressed willingness to cooperate with Andhra Pradesh if Telangana's requests regarding Krishna water allocations are met. He also committed to presenting every document related to Singareni in the state assembly, ensuring public scrutiny of governmental actions.
In a pointed remark, he questioned whether Union Minister Kishan Reddy would apologize if his allegations were proven wrong, asking why the Union minister is not questioning the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), under whose tenure state debts increased. This highlights the ongoing political rivalry and accountability debates in Telangana.
Future Predictions and Announcements
Looking ahead, Revanth Reddy predicted that simultaneous elections would occur in 2029 and affirmed that women's reservations would also be implemented. He announced that the government is exploring the allocation of 500 acres for a bullet train hub project near the airport, signaling plans for infrastructure development and economic growth.
Personal Assertions and Tributes
In a bold declaration, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy stated that he is both "the king and the minister," emphasizing that he does not compare himself to anyone and faces no competition. He reiterated his intention to remain Chief Minister for the next 10 and a half years, showcasing his confidence and political ambitions.
Additionally, he expressed support for awarding the Bharat Ratna to NTR (Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao) and announced plans to install a statue of NTR in Hyderabad soon, paying tribute to the legendary figure in Telugu politics and cinema.
