Singareni, solar power scams: KTR dares CM to order probe by sitting judge

Hyderabad: A day after Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy expressed his readiness to face “any inquiry” into the Bharat Rashtra Samithi’s allegations concerning foreign coal imports and blamed the BRS for planning large-scale imports for the Yadadri Thermal Power Station; BRS working president KT Rama Rao on Thursday challenged the Chief Minister to order a probe by “a sitting judge” into the alleged “Singareni scam” and the “solar power scam” under the Congress regime.

Speaking at the Narsampet constituency meeting at Telangana Bhavan, Rama Rao alleged that the state government was engineering crises in coal production, power supply, and irrigation to justify expensive purchases and pocket commissions.

“Revanth Reddy says he will order an inquiry if we write to him. If he has the courage, let him order a sitting judge’s inquiry into our allegations,” KTR said, demanding a probe into the alleged “Rs 10,000-crore Singareni scam” and the solar power scam.

KTR alleged that Singareni coal costs around Rs 3,800 per tonne, while imported coal could cost Rs 10,000– Rs 12,000 per tonne. He accused the state government of pursuing proposed imports from Australia for “commissions” despite the availability of domestic coal. He also alleged that coal production had been reduced and around Rs 60,000 crore in dues to Singareni remained pending, while the company was being blamed for shortages.

Characterising Revanth Reddy as an ‘EMI Chief Minister’, KTR alleged that “political payments” to the Congress high command were driving the foreign coal purchase plan. He accused the government of creating a crisis first and then claiming that coal and electricity had to be purchased at higher prices.

KTR sought to know why Telangana was facing power shortages despite the previous BRS government providing 24-hour electricity. He recalled that the Congress had criticised the Chhattisgarh power purchase agreement at Rs 3.90 per unit, while the present government was considering purchases at Rs 15 per unit.

With around 30 lakh agricultural pump sets, irrigation projects, and industries dependent on electricity, KTR said reliable power supply was essential. He accused the Congress government of allowing power cuts to return. KTR accused the government of failing to utilise available water from the Kaleshwaram project despite the BRS urging action six months earlier.

He said water was allowed to flow downstream without being lifted from the Kannepalli pump house, leaving crops to dry and aggravating drinking and irrigation water shortages. He criticised the government for citing El Niño, instead of taking timely measures.

Comparing the situation in Telangana with that in Andhra Pradesh, KTR cited water being taken to Kuppam, around 700 kilometres away, and approximately 400 TMC being lifted through the Pattiseema project. He questioned why Telangana could not take water to Mahabubnagar, around 70 kilometres away, and said the Kaleshwaram and Palamuru-Rangareddy projects could have helped the state become the country’s ‘Annapurna’.

“This is not a drought caused by nature; this is a drought created by Congress,” KTR declared, urging the government to set politics aside and address farmers’ hardships.

KTR expressed his confidence that the BRS would hoist its pink flag in Narsampet within two years. He promised to adopt the constituency after the party returns to power and oversee the development planned by former MLA Peddi Sudarshan Reddy, assuring support to his family and party workers.

He said people wanted KCR to return as Chief Minister and urged BRS cadre to work for the pink party’s victory in the graduate MLC elections. KTR reaffirmed that the party would continue fighting for Singareni’s protection, reliable electricity, irrigation and farmers’ welfare, while making the Congress government accountable.

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K Chandrashekar

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K Chandrashekar is an experienced content creator/journalist specialising in political and general reporting. With over two decades of writing expertise, he handles or contributes towards political, health and transport sectors. Chandrashekar has completed his post-graduation from SD Signodia College/ Osmania University (with a specialization in Commerce). When not immersed in writing, he/she can be found spending time listening to music. Chandrashekar is an accomplished writer with a passion for writing articles. With over 20 years of experience, he has honed her/his craft in various genres, including entertainment or crime or education. Chandrashekar's diverse family history and embracing cultures have enriched her/his writing with unique perspectives

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