(Image source from: x.com/BRSparty)
The judicial commission led by Justice Narasimha Reddy has requested a response from K. Chandrashekar Rao, the president of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) and former chief minister, regarding alleged irregularities in the power purchase agreements (PPAs) made during the BRS government's tenure from 2014 to 2023. The commission has asked for Rao's response before June 15, but he has stated that he will be unable to appear until July 30. Interestingly, the commission has a shorter deadline to complete its investigation.
According to Justice Narasimha Reddy, the PPAs were made without following the proper tendering process. So far, notices have been issued to 25 individuals, both officials and non-officials. The Revanth Reddy government had established the commission in March to inquire into the financial and other irregularities associated with the PPAs signed with Chhattisgarh and the construction of the Bhadradri and Yadadri thermal power plants. These PPAs were signed due to Telangana's electricity shortage after the state's creation, but there have been long-standing allegations of irregularities. During a legislative session, Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy stated that the previous BRS government had entered into PPAs with Chhattisgarh for a 1,000 MW power supply at a higher cost, without following the proper tendering procedures.
The previous BRS government's decisions have led to significant financial challenges for the state. They signed an agreement with BHEL to establish the Yadadri thermal power project, utilizing outdated sub-critical technology, resulting in substantial losses for the government. Additionally, the Bhadradri power project saw escalating costs, leading to a loss of over `4,500 crore. The government's White Paper further reveals that the power distribution companies (discoms) have accumulated losses of `62,461 crore as of March 31, 2023, and a debt burden of `81,516 crore as of October 31, 2023, due to the BRS government's mismanagement. The Chief Minister has acknowledged these issues, stating that the previous government's agreements and choices have placed a burden of `1,362 crore on the state. The current administration is now working to address these financial challenges and ensure more transparent and efficient management of the state's energy sector.
Suresh Chandra came in front of the commission on Monday and shared their thoughts, stated Justice Narasimha Reddy. Previous chief secretary S.K. Joshi and previous energy secretary Arvind Kumar met the commission on Tuesday. He mentioned the commission had conversed with Transco and Genco chief Syed Ali Murtuza Rizvi. Not just officials, we have been gathering details from well-known individuals, Justice Narasimha Reddy expressed.
