BRS Working President K.T. Rama Rao (KTR) strongly condemned Union Minister for Coal Kishan Reddy’s response to alleged irregularities in the Singareni Collieries tender scam. KTR said the Minister’s stance reflected a complete abdication of constitutional and moral responsibility rather than accountability.

Reacting to Kishan Reddy’s statement that a CBI probe would only be considered if the Congress government recommends it, KTR questioned the logic, asking, “Can a daylight robber ever walk into a police station and demand an inquiry against himself?” He said expecting a Chief Minister allegedly involved in illegal tender allotments to recommend an investigation was absurd and insulting to public intelligence.

KTR questioned whether the Union Minister’s position stemmed from ignorance or a secret understanding between the BJP and Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy. He demanded clarity on whether political interests were being prioritised over public accountability.

He highlighted that the controversial “site visit certificate” rule, unique to Telangana, was deliberately introduced to facilitate backdoor tender allotments to favoured individuals, including the Chief Minister’s relatives. Despite widespread awareness of these irregularities, KTR said the Union Minister’s continued silence and evasive tactics were unacceptable, and answers must be provided directly to the people of Telangana.

KTR alleged that the Centre’s inaction in the face of large-scale irregularities was effectively throttling the Singareni institution. With the Centre holding a 49 per cent stake in Singareni, he warned that history would not forgive its silence amid such corruption.

Recalling the BRS government’s tenure, KTR said tenders were finalised at rates as low as 20 per cent below estimates, ensuring efficiency and savings. In contrast, he alleged that the current Congress government had cancelled such tenders and was now awarding contracts at nearly 10 per cent above estimates under new policies. He asked whether the Union Minister was blind to this policy reversal and the resulting financial losses.

KTR asserted that Singareni, profitable under the BRS regime, had become a den of scams within just two years of Congress rule. He warned that deliberate attempts were being made to push the organisation into losses, potentially paving the way for privatisation, and said Telangana workers were closely monitoring the Centre’s role.

Referring to growing unrest among workers, KTR said the protests demanding a thorough investigation were a warning not only to the state government but also to the Union Government. He added that this reflected deep-rooted anger among workers who see the institution being systematically undermined.

KTR concluded by pledging that Singareni, the “black gold” of Telangana, would be protected at all costs. He stated that the BRS would continue supporting the workers and intensify the struggle if necessary, until accountability is ensured and justice is delivered.