RS Praveen Kumar challenges Revanth Reddy to debate on GO No. 17

BRS general secretary RS Praveen Kumar challenged Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy to a public debate over GO No. 17, alleging it favours select private companies. He demanded disclosure of related files and questioned the transparency of the tendering process.

Nagarkurnool: BRS general secretary RS Praveen Kumar challenged Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy to a public debate over Government Order (GO) No. 17, alleging that it was issued to benefit select private companies in tenders related to the supply of school uniforms and other materials to students in government educational institutions. He demanded that the government make the related files public.

Addressing a gathering of BRS cadre in Nagarkurnool, Praveen Kumar accused the Congress government of attempting to divert thousands of crores of rupees through GO No. 17 by tailoring the order to favour business interests from outside Telangana. He alleged that the government was concealing details of a purported Rs 2,000-crore scam and dared the Chief Minister to face a public debate with documentary evidence.

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“Instead of resorting to personal remarks against me and other BRS leaders, the Chief Minister should answer questions on GO No. 17. We are ready for a debate at any venue he chooses,” he challenged, remarking that he too could comment on the Chief Minister’s height.

The former IPS officer stated that the order was issued without transparency and demanded that the government place the note file related to GO No. 17 in the public domain. He also questioned the tendering process, alleging irregularities in the procurement of items supplied under government welfare schemes. He said the policy was detrimental to Telangana’s handloom sector and local manufacturers while benefiting a handful of private entities.

“While awarding the school uniforms contract to a textile manufacturer is understandable to some extent, what is the basis for giving the contract for the supply of utensils such as plates and glasses to the same company?” he asked.

Targeting Ministers Ponnam Prabhakar, Adluri Laxman and Mohd Azharuddin, he questioned whether they were aware of the contents of GO No. 17 and how it was issued without their knowledge. He reiterated that the BRS was prepared to substantiate its allegations with evidence and demanded a detailed explanation from the government on the purpose, beneficiaries and implementation of the controversial order.