Hyderabad: Harish Rao accused the Congress government of backing out of a public debate on Telangana’s debt and alleged irregularities in Gurukul tenders, claiming it failed to honour a challenge it had issued.
Addressing a press conference at Telangana Bhavan on Thursday, the former minister and BRS deputy floor leader said BRS leaders, including K.T. Rama Rao and himself, were present for the debate. However, he alleged that Congress leaders did not attend.
Harish Rao questions debt claims
Harish Rao alleged that Minister Jupally Krishna Rao initially claimed the previous BRS government had left Telangana with ₹8 lakh crore in debt. Later, he said, the minister reduced the figure to ₹7 lakh crore. Therefore, Harish Rao questioned the credibility of the government’s allegations.
He also alleged that the government prevented the debate by deploying police personnel and stopping BRS leaders from reaching the designated venue. According to him, those actions reflected the government’s unwillingness to defend its claims publicly.
Harish Rao alleges Gurukul tender irregularities
Harish Rao said he, along with BRS leaders R.S. Praveen Kumar and Koppula Eshwar, had presented documentary evidence on alleged irregularities in Gurukul tenders. He claimed the government’s refusal to participate in the debate strengthened the allegations.
Furthermore, he alleged that procurement of groceries, uniforms, footwear, notebooks and other supplies for Gurukul institutions had been manipulated, causing substantial financial loss to the State. He also claimed that inflated prices for edible oils, spices and other essential items had increased procurement costs.
Harish Rao further alleged that procurement orders meant for LIDCAP had been diverted despite an existing government policy. He questioned the government’s stand, claiming LIDCAP had acknowledged receiving such orders during the previous BRS government.
He also alleged that notebook procurement irregularities came to light after the BRS questioned the inclusion of a watermark condition. According to him, the government later cancelled the tenders, delaying notebook supplies to students.
In addition, Harish Rao alleged that the government transferred the wife of BRS leader R.S. Praveen Kumar in retaliation for raising questions over the Gurukul tenders. He also claimed that the government reduced Praveen Kumar’s security for political reasons.