Hyderabad: Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka said he entered politics to ensure Telangana resources reach the people. He added that his aim was not to amass wealth, power, or influence.
Speaking to the media at Praja Bhavan on Sunday, Bhatti Vikramarka said his political objective was clear and long-standing. Additionally, he said he had committed himself to protecting the state’s assets from exploitation. He explained that his priority was ensuring that public resources benefited ordinary citizens.
He strongly rejected allegations linking him to irregularities in Singareni Collieries Company Limited tenders. Furthermore, he accused Andhra Jyothi managing director Radhakrishna of publishing a fabricated report with vested interests.
Bhatti Vikramarka said tender conditions were framed exclusively by the Singareni Board and that ministers had no role in the process. He said that immediately after the allegations surfaced, he personally suggested that the tenders be cancelled. This, he said, was to avoid any controversy.
He said the Singareni Board members informed him that tenders had been called, but no bidders had come forward. Despite this, he said he instructed that the tenders be cancelled and called afresh in the interest of transparency.
Telangana resources reach people, not vested interests: Bhatti
The Deputy Chief Minister alleged that Radhakrishna’s report was motivated by personal animosity arising from Bhatti Vikramarka’s association with former Chief Minister Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy. He said attempts were being made to target him out of political bitterness.
Bhatti Vikramarka warned that he would not remain silent if false reports were used to malign officials, ministers, or the government. Moreover, he said he lived with self-respect and had entered public life to fight exploiters and protect the state’s interests.
He asserted that Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and all ministers were working collectively for the welfare of the people. He said the government would not be intimidated by motivated or petty stories.
The Deputy Chief Minister said his political journey spanned over 40 years. During this period, he consistently fought for public causes both inside and outside the legislature. In addition, he added that he responded to the report only to ensure that the truth reached the people. He said he would soon place complete details in the public domain.