Hyderabad: Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Monday accused the BRS party of trying to mislead the public by presenting themselves as descendants of Satya Harishchandra, a king known for his commitment to truth.
During a debate on corruption in power purchase projects, Revanth Reddy alleged that BRS members oppose investigations into power purchase agreements because they fear exposing their misconduct.
He claimed that the BRS party often boasts about improving the state’s power situation, countering the last chief minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh, N Kiran Kumar Reddy, who had warned that a divided state would face energy shortages. However, Revanth credited the UPA government for saving the state during its bifurcation. He explained that there was a provision ensuring power projects were allocated based on state consumption, initially giving Telangana 36% and Andhra Pradesh 64% of the power.
Thanks to the efforts of Congress MPs like Ponnam Prabhakar and others, and former Union Minister S Jaipal Reddy, Telangana’s share was increased to 54%.
The Chief Minister also praised former chief ministers N Chandrababu Naidu and YS Rajasekhara Reddy for improving power supply in Greater Hyderabad. Their initiatives ensured uninterrupted power, attracting investments to the IT corridor and helping Hyderabad become a world-class city.
Revanth Reddy criticized the BRS for spreading misinformation about solar power production. He stated that the actual solar power production is just one MW, with the rest being produced by private companies. He also raised concerns about tenders given to BHEL, which were awarded on a nomination basis with the claim that a power plant would be completed in 30 months. However, the plant remains unfinished after more than eight years, leading to a significant scam.
He pointed out that BHEL had quoted 18% less for power projects in Jharkhand but was forced by the BRS government to buy equipment worth Rs 1,000 crore from a Gujarat-based company, India Bulls, resulting in a Rs 18,000 crore loss to the state exchequer.
When a probe was ordered into this matter, the BRS initially supported it but later approached the apex court to have the commission scrapped. The court rejected their plea, suggesting instead that a new chairman be appointed if there were reservations about the current one.
Revanth Reddy concluded by stating that the BRS has no moral right to claim they are completely honest.
