'EMI CM': KTR Slams Revanth Reddy, Demands Judicial Probe into Coal & Power Scams
BRS leader KTR slams Telangana CM Revanth Reddy, demanding a judicial probe into alleged coal and power scams and calling him an EMI CM.
In a blistering attack on the Congress-led government in Telangana, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) Working President KT Rama Rao (KTR) has accused Chief Minister Revanth Reddy of overseeing massive corruption within the state's energy sector. KTR has openly challenged the Chief Minister to move beyond media rhetoric and order a high-level judicial investigation led by a sitting High Court judge into alleged scandals involving the Singareni Collieries Company and power procurement.
The 'EMI Chief Minister' Allegation
KTR did not hold back in his critique, labeling Revanth Reddy an "EMI Chief Minister." The BRS leader suggested that the CM is under immense pressure to fulfill political financial commitments, alleging that proposed coal procurement deals are being manipulated to generate illicit commissions.
Dismissing the Chief Minister's previous suggestion that an inquiry could be initiated if a formal written request was made, KTR insisted that the gravity of the situation requires absolute transparency through a judicial lens rather than mere correspondence.
The Singareni Coal Controversy
At the heart of the dispute is the management of the Singareni Collieries Company. KTR alleged that the institution, which once ensured 24-hour electricity for Telangana by producing roughly 70 million metric tonnes of coal, is now being systematically undermined.
Domestic vs. Foreign Coal
The BRS leader raised serious questions regarding the government's push to import coal from abroad, specifically mentioning Australia. He highlighted a staggering price difference:
- Domestic Coal: Available from Singareni at approximately ₹3,800 per tonne.
- Imported Coal: Estimated to cost between ₹10,000 and ₹12,000 per tonne.
KTR questioned why the state is bypassing cheaper local resources in favor of expensive foreign shipments, suggesting that these decisions are driven by motives other than the public interest.
Allegations of Family Involvement
The attack grew more personal as KTR alleged a ₹10,000 crore scam involving the Chief Minister's brother-in-law within Singareni. He further promised to expose an additional "solar power scam" linked to the company.
Power Crisis and Financial Mismanagement
KTR contrasted the current state of power in Telangana with the stability maintained under the previous BRS administration. He pointed out that while the state once enjoyed uninterrupted power, it is now facing shortages that threaten farmers, irrigation projects, and cottage industries.
He highlighted several critical points regarding the current energy crisis:
- Pending Dues: Around ₹60,000 crore in dues to Singareni remain unpaid, yet the company is being blamed for supply failures.
- Procurement Costs: KTR noted that while the BRS government previously procured electricity from Chhattisgarh at ₹3.90 per unit—which Congress then labeled a scam—the current administration is considering purchasing power at ₹15 per unit.
- Administrative Failure: He accused the Congress government of allowing the situation to deteriorate intentionally to justify the need for expensive imports and outside power purchases.
"If he has the courage, let him also order a sitting judge-led inquiry into the irregularities committed under his own government," KTR challenged.
The BRS leader concluded that the current administration's strategies lack economic logic and are instead designed to serve specific financial interests at the cost of the state's energy security.