Hyderabad: Contractors who ruled the roost in the previous governments in undivided state are calling the shots again in TRS government, alleged Congress MLC P. Sudhakar Reddy on Friday.
Mr Reddy stirred a hornet’s nest in the Legislative Council, seeking a high-level probe into irregularities in irrigation works, allotment of works to blacklisted contractors and other irregularities. He said retired engineers who had helped such contractors in the past were now being engaged by them.
“I can name them as it’s not fair. But four contractors who enjoyed patronage in previous government are back in the reckoning in the state government and have bagged projects. TS contractors got works worth less than Rs 10 crore while major contracts have gone to them. Why not give a chance to TS contractors? A lobby which vehemently opposed separate Telangana is hyper active,” he alleged.
He cited projects executed by such contractors in Nalgonda, Mahbubnagar, Khammam and other districts. Appreciating the MoU with Maharashtra, Mr Reddy suggested setting up a task force to oversee the works and blacklist erring contractors.
Roads and buildings minister Tummala Nageshwara Rao intervened and dismissed the allegation. “We are maintaining total transparency in awarding contracts. There is no compromise in the quality and timeframe for any project. If you know good contractors, please send him to us,” he said.
However, Mr Reddy continued his allegations. Without naming former TD leader E. Dayakar Rao, Mr Reddy said those who had opposed Telangana projects on behalf of a political party have now joined the TRS.
“Parties are now tying-up with rivals to marginalise the Congress. Public funds are being looted,” he said. Mr Reddy also flayed the TRS government for neglecting four lakh tribals displaced due to Polavaram and also those living in the seven mandals merged with AP.
