Telangana's Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka has strongly refuted allegations of irregularities in the tendering process for Naini coal blocks under Singareni Collieries Company Limited, stating the state government is ready for any inquiry. He demanded a central probe into all tenders and contracts since 2014. Vikramarka defended existing practices and emphasized the company's autonomy.
In Hyderabad's Praja Bhavan, while speaking to reporters, Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, who holds the energy portfolio, categorically refuted allegations of irregularities in the tendering process for Naini coal blocks of Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL). He stated that as soon as Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy returns from his foreign tour, he will personally discuss and ensure orders for a comprehensive investigation.
Vikramarka denied claims that the mandatory site inspection condition was introduced by the current government to favor select contractors. He clarified that the rule has been in place since 2018 and is a nationwide standard practice followed by Coal India, National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC), Central Mine Planning & Design Institute Limited (CMPDIL), and several other public institutions.
He emphasized that Singareni Collieries is an autonomous entity operating through an independent board. “Neither tenders nor tender-related files come to me or the state government. So, there is no scope for political interference,” he said.
Refuting allegations on diesel supply contracts, he noted the system was introduced in 2022 by the previous Bharat Rashtra Samithi government to address GST issues and prevent diesel theft, with no changes under the present administration.
Dismissing claims that contracts in Singareni coal mines were awarded to the chief minister’s relatives, he asserted, “In fact, all major contractors currently operating in Singareni are linked to BRS leaders.”
“Singareni belongs to the people of Telangana. I will not allow vultures or vested interests to plunder the wealth created by the blood and sweat of its workers,” he asserted. He warned that failure to retract false writings would invite legal action.
The deputy chief minister also urged the Centre to order an inquiry into all tenders called for and contracts awarded in Singareni since Telangana's formation in 2014.
