Hyderabad, Jan 19 (NationPress) T. Harish Rao, a prominent leader of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) and former minister, has called for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the tenders associated with the Naini coal block.

Following allegations of corruption, Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka instructed the Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) to annul the tenders and initiate an auction for the Naini coal blocks located in Odisha. In light of this, Rao has urged a CBI investigation.

The Deputy Chief Minister has denied claims that the requirement for a ‘site visit’ was included in the tender process to benefit specific companies.

Rao has requested Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy to initiate a CBI investigation into the Naini coal block tenders.

During a press briefing on Monday, Harish Rao challenged the BJP to order a CBI probe, suggesting that if there is no collusion between the BJP and Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, such a probe should be welcomed.

He asserted that the ‘site visit’ certificate policy is not a standard practice elsewhere in the country, claiming it was introduced by the Revanth Reddy administration, with Sujan Reddy, the Chief Minister's brother-in-law, being the first to benefit from this policy through his company, Shodha Constructions.

According to Rao, Sujan Reddy's firm secured the inaugural tender after obtaining the required certificate, and it has been asserted that subsequent Singareni tenders were awarded at inflated rates of plus 7 percent to favored companies.

He pointed out that previously, coal block tenders were typically awarded at discounts of minus 10 percent to minus 20 percent. Under the new rules, tenders are allegedly being concluded at rates ranging from plus 7 percent to plus 10 percent.

Rao highlighted the inconsistency where while the Naini block tenders were annulled under this regulation, other tenders issued under the same criteria remain unaffected. He challenged Revanth Reddy to permit a CBI investigation if there are no secrets to uncover.

He emphasized that the ‘site visit’ requirement mandates contractors to physically inspect the site and obtain certifications, which he claims compromises the integrity of the bidding process.

“This setup allows for the identification of bidders beforehand, potentially leading to intimidation and coercion to eliminate competition, then awarding contracts to favored individuals at inflated rates,” he alleged.

Rao accused the administration of orchestrating a scam involving the Singareni tenders, with disputes arising over the sharing of profits among the Chief Minister and other ministers.

He condemned remarks made by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy during a public meeting in Khammam on Sunday, where he urged TDP supporters to dismantle BRS flags and platforms throughout Telangana, asserting this would honor TDP founder and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister NT Rama Rao.

Rao warned Revanth Reddy that meddling with the BRS flag could lead to his own downfall, stating, “The BRS party flag symbolizes the spirit of the people—it is a party born from their hearts.”