Hyderabad: BRS working president K.T. Rama Rao alleged that the Balka Suman arrest was politically motivated and intended to divert public attention from alleged irregularities in the Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL).
Speaking to reporters after meeting former MLA Balka Suman at Chanchalguda Jail on Thursday, KTR accused the Congress government of targeting opposition leaders instead of addressing corruption allegations.
He claimed that the BRS had been exposing several alleged irregularities since the Congress government assumed office.
According to KTR, the arrest was part of a broader attempt to silence voices questioning developments in Singareni.
Balka Suman arrest linked to Singareni issues
KTR alleged that authorities booked Balka Suman under the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act for raising concerns related to Singareni workers and the functioning of SCCL.
He further claimed that courts questioned certain police actions and subsequently struck down some charges against the former MLA.
Moreover, KTR alleged that around 40 lakh metric tonnes of coal valued at approximately ₹1,600 crore appeared in Singareni accounts without corresponding mining activity.
He demanded accountability from both the Telangana government and the Centre, which holds a 49 per cent stake in SCCL.
The BRS leader also announced that he would seek an investigation from Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy into the matter.
Balka Suman arrest sparks criticism of government
KTR accused the Congress government of adopting a selective approach towards political opponents.
Furthermore, he questioned the government’s handling of issues concerning Singareni employees.
He alleged that authorities had not convened the Medical Board for compassionate appointments for nearly eleven months.
According to him, a vigilance inquiry into approximately 19,000 succession jobs granted during the BRS government created uncertainty among workers’ families.
KTR said Balka Suman remained determined despite his imprisonment and urged party leaders to continue fighting for the rights of Singareni employees.
“Jails and cases are nothing new to us. The BRS will continue its campaign until the alleged irregularities are fully exposed,” KTR said.