Singareni tender scam is proof of commission-driven governance in Telangana: BJP

BJP State president N Ramchander Rao accused the Congress government of commission-driven governance following the cancellation of Singareni Naini coal block tenders. He alleged that the tenders were tailored to benefit associates of Congress leaders and criticised the inclusion of a site-visit clause as favouritism.

Hyderabad: Launching a broadside against the Congress government over alleged irregularities in Singareni tenders, BJP State president N Ramchander Rao on Tuesday said the cancellation of the Singareni Naini coal block tenders itself exposed commission-driven governance in the State.

The Naini coal block tenders were not designed for development, but were allegedly tailored to secure commissions for kin and associates of Congress leaders. The introduction of a site visit clause in the tender process was a deliberate conspiracy to facilitate favouritism, Ramchander Rao charged while addressing media persons in New Delhi.

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He demanded that Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka explain the reasons behind the cancellation of the tenders.

“The rift between Congress Ministers is not confined to Singareni tenders. The Congress government is working for commissions and the welfare of their kin and relatives, while setting aside people’s welfare,” Ramchander Rao alleged.

Accusing the government of financial mismanagement in the Singareni Collieries Company Limited, the State BJP chief questioned how a company claiming to be running in losses could provide a sponsorship of Rs 10 crore for the Lionel Messi event in Hyderabad. He also alleged that the State government actually owed the SCCL more than Rs 50,000 crore in unpaid dues.

Ramchander Rao demanded a comprehensive probe into the process of all Singareni tenders from 2014 onwards, stating that the inquiry could be conducted by the CBI, a Special Investigation Team or the Vigilance department.