Hyderabad: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday criticized the Congress-led Revanth Reddy government for what it termed as a “too little, too late” move in ordering a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the massive Kaleshwaram project scam.
BJP’s chief spokesperson and media in-charge N.V. Subash said the party had consistently demanded a CBI inquiry ever since the Congress came to power, but the government deliberately delayed it by first setting up the Justice Ghosh Committee, which has already submitted its report.
“The delay raises suspicion of a discreet understanding between the Congress and the BRS. Had the government been sincere, it could have entrusted the probe to the CID, Vigilance, or other state agencies long ago. Now, much of the crucial evidence may already have evaporated,” Subash said.
He alleged that the clandestine handling of the case and the timing of the announcement were meant to dilute the scam. “Whatever the Ghosh Committee has reported, the CBI may now be left with precious little to uncover,” he added.
Subash, however, urged the Congress government to extend full cooperation to the CBI and ensure accountability for the reckless escalation of project costs that drained the state exchequer under the previous regime.
On another front, Subash also criticized the government’s stand on 42% reservations in local bodies, asserting that no clearance from the Centre was required. “If the government is really committed to the cause of Backward Classes, it could have promulgated an ordinance instead of blaming the Centre. Excuses won’t do — it must focus on governance and fulfill its poll promises,” he said. With a touch of sarcasm, he added, “Now, better sense seems to have prevailed on the government for deciding to bring in an ordinance.”
