Singareni Coal Scam Sparks Political Tensions in Telangana

BJP's Boora Narsaiah Goud has vowed to crack down on corruption in the Singareni coal scam if BJP ascends to power in Telangana. BRS's KT Rama Rao demands a judicial probe, highlighting alleged coal diversions worth Rs 1,600 crore and other financial irregularities at Singareni Collieries Company Limited.

In response to BRS working president KT Rama Rao's call for a judicial inquiry into the alleged Rs 1,600 crore Singareni coal scam, BJP leader Boora Narsaiah Goud pledged that the party would pursue strict measures upon gaining power in Telangana. He emphasized the need for transparency and accountability, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's zero-tolerance policy on corruption.

Goud accused previous governments of exploiting Singareni coal mines for financial gain. He asserted that a future BJP administration would ensure all misappropriated funds from Singareni are recovered. His remarks come amid KTR's allegations that both the Congress and BJP have protected those involved in irregularities at Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL). KTR has called for a judicial probe by a sitting judge into the alleged misappropriation of nearly 40 lakh metric tonnes of coal valued at Rs 1,600 crore.

KTR's letter to Union Coal Minister G Kishan Reddy questioned the unaccounted disappearance of coal recorded in official Singareni stock records. He accused parties of illegally diverting it, causing significant financial losses to the public sector entity. Asserting public ownership of Singareni's coal, KTR criticized both State and Central Governments for jeopardizing the company's future. He warned of potential large-scale protests if the Centre fails to initiate an investigation. Additionally, KTR pointed out alleged irregularities in other areas, including solar power tenders and CSR fund management.