Hyderabad: BRS working president K.T. Rama Rao on Thursday alleged that proposed coal imports could facilitate a ₹3,000-crore scam. He accused Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy of deliberately creating conditions for a coal and power crisis.
KTR alleged that the government was weakening Singareni Collieries Company Limited while preparing to procure expensive foreign coal. He also questioned the proposed involvement of Bhotra Logistics in the arrangements.
In an open letter, Rama Rao demanded full disclosure of the import proposals and an independent investigation into the alleged irregularities. He addressed the letter to Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka and Union Coal Minister G. Kishan Reddy.
Proposed coal imports: KTR questions pricing and selection
Rama Rao alleged that the proposed arrangements could involve commissions of ₹1,500 per tonne. According to him, these payments could potentially amount to a ₹3,000-crore scam.
He demanded that the government disclose all discussions, tender documents, draft agreements and pricing details relating to the proposals. Furthermore, he sought an explanation for the selection of Bhotra Logistics for the proposed assignment. KTR questioned the basis on which the company was being considered and called for an independent inquiry into the arrangements.
However, he acknowledged that the proposed imports had not yet taken place. Therefore, he insisted that the government disclose all decisions and financial arrangements before proceeding with the process.
Proposed coal imports raise questions over Singareni output
The BRS working president also questioned the reported decline in coal production at Singareni Collieries Company Limited. He cited production of approximately 70.02 million tonnes during 2023–24, compared with around 58 million tonnes in 2025–26.
Rama Rao demanded an explanation for the reported decline and questioned why the government had not strengthened domestic coal production. He also sought answers regarding mine development and the availability of adequate coal supplies. According to him, the rise in electricity demand was predictable and required advance planning. Additionally, KTR demanded a comprehensive account of approximately ₹60,000 crore in outstanding dues reportedly owed to Singareni.
He asked the government to provide an institution-wise breakdown of the liabilities. The disclosure, he said, should specify the amounts due from each institution, payments already received and outstanding balances. Rama Rao maintained that the government must make the proposed import arrangements and related financial details public before taking further decisions.