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In a forceful address to the public in Khammam on Sunday, Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy strongly refuted allegations of corruption at The Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL), one of India’s largest coal mining companies and a significant economic driver in the state.
“There is not even a single paisa of corruption,” Reddy declared, taking aim at what he described as “false and misleading reports” circulating in some media outlets regarding the company’s tender processes. The Chief Minister specifically addressed claims about irregularities in the awarding of contracts, stating that Singareni tenders are allocated exclusively to experienced agencies and that his administration has maintained strict oversight to prevent any improprieties over the past two years.
In a direct appeal to journalists, Reddy urged media organizations to seek clarification from his office before publishing potentially damaging stories about his cabinet members. “Do not malign our ministers,” he said. “If there are issues among media houses, resolve them internally. I am always ready to give an explanation. Any news against my ministers affects my dignity.”
The remarks came as part of a broader public meeting in Khammam district, where the Chief Minister also launched development initiatives worth approximately ₹362 crore ($43 million). These projects are part of the Congress government’s larger development agenda for the region, which has struggled with infrastructure challenges despite its rich natural resources.
Reddy, who revealed that Khammam holds personal significance as the starting point of his political career, used the occasion to contrast his administration’s welfare policies with those of previous governments. He highlighted the Congress party’s free fine rice distribution program, implemented under Civil Supplies Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy, as an enhancement of former Chief Minister N.T. Rama Rao’s subsidized rice scheme.
“Implementing NTR’s ideals is the true tribute to him,” Reddy remarked, strategically positioning his government as building upon rather than dismantling popular initiatives from Telangana’s political past.
The Chief Minister painted a picture of his administration’s first months in power as a period of corrective action, claiming that the previous Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) government had made ration cards inaccessible to disadvantaged citizens. Under Congress leadership, he asserted, “lakhs of ration cards” have been issued to eligible recipients.
Energy policy featured prominently in Reddy’s address as well. Invoking the legacy of former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, he noted that his government has expanded power subsidies to provide up to 200 units of free electricity to economically vulnerable households, extending a policy originally introduced for the agricultural sector.
Housing development emerged as another key focus, with the Chief Minister announcing the sanctioning of 4.5 lakh Indiramma houses since taking office—a direct rebuke to what he characterized as the previous administration’s neglect of affordable housing needs.
Reddy also outlined ambitious plans for Bhadrachalam, a town of religious significance in the region. He accused former Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao of failing to deliver on a promised ₹100 crore development package for the area. “Our government has initiated land acquisition, and we will develop Bhadrachalam on the lines of Ayodhya,” he pledged, referencing the high-profile development of the north Indian religious site.
Concluding his address with a confident prediction, the Chief Minister forecasted a decade-long tenure for the Congress party in Telangana and vowed to transform the state into India’s premier region—a bold claim that will likely face scrutiny as his administration works to deliver on its numerous promises in the months ahead.
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10 Comments
Coal mining is a sensitive and often controversial industry. While allegations of corruption should be investigated thoroughly, the Singareni company appears to play a vital economic role in Telangana. Maintaining public trust is crucial.
I agree, the Chief Minister is right to demand fact-checking before publishing stories that could damage the company’s reputation. Responsible journalism is key in these situations.
Coal mining is a complex and often controversial industry. The Chief Minister’s strong reaction to the reports about Singareni suggests he is keen to protect the company’s reputation and economic importance. Verifying facts before publication is a reasonable request.
It’s good to see the Chief Minister addressing the allegations head-on and calling for fact-checking. Maintaining transparency and public trust in major state-owned enterprises like Singareni is important, especially in the mining sector.
Interesting developments around the Singareni Collieries Company. It’s always important to verify facts before making claims, especially when it comes to major state-owned enterprises. The Chief Minister’s call for accountability and transparency seems reasonable.
The Singareni Collieries Company seems to play a vital role in Telangana’s economy. While scrutiny of state-owned enterprises is important, the Chief Minister’s demand for verified information before publication is understandable.
Allegations of corruption in the coal mining sector are always concerning. However, the Chief Minister’s defense of Singareni’s tender process and call for responsible journalism is a fair response. Fact-checking is crucial in these sensitive matters.
Coal mining is always a sensitive issue, so it’s not surprising to see pushback against alleged corruption claims. The Chief Minister’s call for fact-checking before publishing stories is a reasonable request, though the media should still investigate thoroughly.
The Chief Minister’s response highlights the importance of verifying information, especially when it comes to state-owned enterprises. Coal mining is a complex sector, so it’s understandable he wants to protect Singareni’s reputation.
That’s a fair point. Maintaining transparency and public trust in major state-owned companies is crucial for their continued operation and economic contribution.