Bhatti Denies Allegations on Naini Coal Block Tenders, Slams Fabricated Reports

Speaking at a media conference at Praja Bhavan, Bhatti Vikramarka strongly rejected the reports published in a section of the media regarding Naini coal block tenders, terming them fabricated and politically motivated. He said that Singari Collieries Company Limited has called for the tenders to be held strictly in accordance with the rules laid down by the Central government.

Stating that false narratives were being created to mislead the public, the Deputy CM said that he was targeted due to his closeness to former Prime Minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy. He added that he would reveal all the details once the political intent behind the report becomes clear.

Bhatti Vikramarka maintained that Singari is a public asset and coal mines symbolize people’s self-respect. “I will protect Telangana’s assets from vultures, looters and organized criminals,” he said, adding that no one has the right to publish reports aimed at assassinating the character of an individual or creating divisions among political leaders.

Explaining further, he said the tenders were organized by Singareni and not by any minister and mandatory site visits were required due to the difficult terrain of the mining areas; this is a norm followed even by Central government undertakings. He also objected to his name being unnecessarily dragged into a television channel’s report and called on media institutions not to involve public representatives in inter-media disputes.