Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], January 27 : Union Minister G Kishan Reddy on Tuesday criticised the Congress-led Telangana government, alleging mismanagement and a lack of transparency in the functioning of the Singareni coal mine.
The Union Minister said, " The Congress government in the state is not ensuring transparency in the site visits. The rule itself is not bad, such a rule should exist. But there should be no partiality shown in issuing certificates for site visits, but they (Congress) has shown partiality. 17 people have done site visits, not one certificate has been issued."
"Even after Congress government came to power, the corruption did not stop. Around 12 per cent was given to these small contractors, everywhere this system was used. Before this, the TRS (now known as BRS), in all the tenders, the same situation has happened. Congress and BRS have no right to say anything about Singareni..Singareni is in an economic crisis. Rs 47000 crores are due to be paid to Singareni by the Telangana government," the Minister Reddy told reporters on the sidelines of Atal Bihari Vajpayee Foundation Skill Development Programme.
On the other hand, BRS working president KT Rama Rao (KTR) has squarely blamed the state government for the alleged mismanagement. "Singareni, in which the Telangana government holds a 51% stake and the Indian government holds a 49% stake, is a public sector company where a massive scam is currently unfolding. Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and his brother-in-law Sujan Reddy are involved in this major scam. Now, tenders are being awarded at +22%, +25%, and +30% above the estimated cost. For whose benefit is this being done? For whom is this scam being perpetrated? Site visit certifications are being manipulated; if a contractor from Jharkhand wants to submit a tender, they are being stopped, restrictions are being imposed on them, they are being intimidated and threatened, and they are being denied the necessary certificates," he said.
Meanwhile, on Wednesday, amid the controversy surrounding the tender process for the Naini coal block, the Union Coal Ministry convened an emergency meeting with the Singareni Collieries Company Limited.
Speaking to reporters, Union Coal Minister G Kishan Reddy said the meeting was held in view of allegations linked to the tender process for the Naini coal block, which is operated by the Telangana government-controlled Singareni Collieries Company. He noted that the company had withdrawn the tender following the allegations.
"Today, we are discussing the Naini coal block of the Telangana Singareni Collieries Company, which is entirely under the control of the Telangana government. Due to various allegations regarding the tender process, the company withdrew the tender for the Naini coal block," G Kishan Reddy told reporters.
Earlier, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy stated that certain social media platforms and sections of the media are spreading baseless accusations, alleging irregularities in Singareni and claiming that large sums of money have disappeared, a press release said.
Defending the state government against allegations in a row over the tenders in Singareni, the Chief Minister stated that "there is no place for corruption" in the state.
According to the press release by the Telangana government, Reddy said, "I want to clearly state this to those newspapers, social media handlers, and political leaders: there is no place for corruption in this government. By spreading unnecessary propaganda and creating false perceptions, you are directly or indirectly helping forces like Sukracharyudu, Maarithudu, and Subahudu to gain strength again."
"If you have internal disputes within your media houses, shut your doors and fight among yourselves. Throw mud at each other if you want, but do not drag us into it. There is a saying: when two bulls fight, it is the crops that suffer. Media owners may fight among themselves, but do not target our ministers. Before writing any news against our ministers, think once, understand the facts, and ask us for clarification. As the Chief Minister of Telangana, I am available to the people 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. I am always accessible. Any news published on television or in newspapers against my party's MLAs, MLCs, MPs, or ministers affects my dignity and creates false impressions about my leadership," he added.
Further, CM Reddy advised the media to "seek clarification" from him before publishing against state ministers. This comes after certain media channels on television in Telangana alleged corruption in tenders of the Singareni Collieries.