Singareni Collieries row: BJP’s Prakash Reddy blames Congress internal rift after CM’s remarks
Reacting to Telangana CM’s statement, BJP leader Prakash Reddy told ANI: “We condemn such personal allegations and the inclusion of a woman IAS officer is not right and I don’t think anyone will support it. The story has been written by Gandhi Bhavan and the Congress office. Infighting among cabinet colleagues is responsible for such stories in the media.”
These remarks came in the backdrop of Revanth Reddy’s strong reaction to media reports and social media content citing alleged irregularities in Singareni Collieries tenders.
In a press release, Chief Minister Reddy stated that some social media platforms and sections of the media were spreading false accusations, alleging irregularities in Singari and claiming that huge amounts of money had gone missing.
Defending the government against repeated allegations regarding tenders in Singari, the Chief Minister stated that “there is no place for corruption” in the state.
According to the Telangana government’s press release, Reddy said, “I want to make it clear to newspapers, social media handles and political leaders: There is no room for corruption in this government. By spreading unnecessary propaganda and creating false perceptions, you are directly or indirectly helping forces like Sukracharyudu, Maarithudu and Subahudu to regain power.”
“If you have internal disputes in your media houses, close your doors and fight among yourselves. Throw mud at each other if you want, but don’t drag us into it. There is a saying: When two bulls fight, it is the crop that suffers. Media owners can fight among themselves, but do not target our ministers. Before writing a story against our ministers, think, understand the facts and seek clarification from us. As the Chief Minister of Telangana, I am at the service of the people 24 hours a day. There are publications on television or in newspapers against my party’s MLAs, MLCs, MPs or ministers.” “Any news affects my dignity and creates false impressions about my leadership,” he added. Reddy also advised the media to “get clarification” from him before publishing against state ministers.
According to the statement, “There will be no compromises on such issues. Ask me for an explanation before publishing any report against our ministers, and I will explain. This government is run in coordination with everyone, with cooperation from everyone, and by benefiting from the experience of senior leaders like Tummala. We have handed over the responsibility of the Sammakka Sarakka Temple construction to Ponguleti within 100 days and we will ensure its completion.”
The controversy escalated further after a television channel aired a report implicating malpractice by a woman IAS officer and a state minister.
