Harish Rao Demands CBI Probe Into Singareni Tender

BRS Legislature Party Deputy Floor Leader and former minister Harish Rao today demanded a comprehensive CBI probe into the tenders for the Naini coal block.

Speaking to the media at Telangana Bhavan, he alleged large-scale irregularities in the tenders issued by Singareni Collieries, and accused the Chief Minister and other senior ministers of being involved in internal disputes over commissions and corruption.

"The Revanth Reddy government is indulging in a deep nexus of inflated contracts, manipulated procedures and political interference. A full-scale CBI investigation should be conducted to bring all these facts to light," Rao said.

He said that Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka had claimed that the Naini block tenders were cancelled due to the absence of site visit certificates, and questioned the very existence of such a system.

"There was no site visit certification system earlier in Telangana, anywhere in the country, or even in Coal India or Western Coalfields. This method was introduced only after the Revanth Reddy government came to power in 2024," Rao claimed.

He alleged that the first beneficiary of this new system was the Chief Minister's close relative, Sujan Reddy. After obtaining a site visit certificate, his company, Shodha Constructions, secured the first tender.

The BRS MLA asked why only the Naini block tenders were cancelled and the remaining tenders awarded under the same "illegal" system.

Explaining that online tenders allowed contractors from across the country to participate, Rao said that the site visit system required bidders to visit the site and obtain certification from Singareni. "This enables advance identification of bidders. They are then threatened, pressured and pushed out. Subsequently, tenders are awarded to favoured contractors at inflated rates, and commissions are collected," he said.

He also alleged that all these activities were taking place under the supervision of persons close to the Chief Minister and his relatives. Challenging the Chief Minister to permit a CBI inquiry, Rao said, "If there is no secret understanding with the BJP and no hidden deal, then allow a CBI investigation. I am ready to provide every detail."

He demanded that Union Minister Kishan Reddy order a CBI probe into the alleged Singareni tender scam.

Rao also said that Singareni had been functioning without a regular Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) for the past two years. "By continuing with only an in-charge officer, such irregular practices are being encouraged," he said.

He demanded the immediate cancellation of all tenders issued under the site visit system, the permanent withdrawal of this method, restoration of the earlier diesel procurement policy, and the appointment of a senior and qualified CMD for Singareni.

The BRS leader also alleged that internal conflicts among the Chief Minister, Deputy CM Bhatti Vikramarka and Roads & Buildings Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy over commission-sharing had turned Singareni into a centre of chaos. "In this process, IAS officers and journalists are being made scapegoats," he said.

The BRS MLA said that disputes were arising not over public interest but over the sharing of illegal gains. "If conflicts are happening, why are journalists and officers being targeted?" he asked.

He also referred to several other alleged disputes within the government, including disagreements over temple tenders, hologram tenders, the liquor policy and cinema ticket pricing.

He took the opportunity to also accuse the government of misusing Special Investigation Teams (SITs) to harass the BRS and journalists.

Addressing the police leadership, Rao asked whether the law was being applied equally to all. "Is the Constitution governing Telangana, or is it a selective rule?" he asked.

Rao said that the BRS would approach the courts if necessary, and fight against the Congress "coal scam" both legally and politically until the truth was brought before the people.