Hans News Service Karimnagar

BJP State spokesperson and Karimnagar Deputy Mayor Yadagiri Sunil Rao on Friday hit out at BRS leader Ravinder Singh over his allegations of corruption in excess tenders under the Urban Development Fund (UDF), asking him to introspect over the previous BRS government’s record.

Speaking at a press conference here on Friday, Sunil Rao said it was unfortunate for Ravinder Singh to target Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar over the UDF scheme. He termed the allegations of Rs 30 crore to Rs 40 crore corruption baseless and demanded that Ravinder Singh substantiate his claims.

Sunil Rao said the UDF scheme for Karimnagar had received administrative sanction of Rs 180 crore, while the estimated contract value was around Rs 137 crore. Since the tendering and approval process was handled by the State government, he questioned how the alleged corruption could have taken place.

He asked Ravinder Singh to explain the excess tenders issued during the BRS regime, particularly involving the company cited in his allegations. Sunil Rao claimed the same company had received works worth nearly Rs 6,000 crore during the previous government and referred to projects including Mid Manair, Gouravelli, Thotapalli and Mallanna Sagar.

Referring to the Rs 546-crore Maneru River Front, he questioned the approval of its four per cent excess tender and demanded accountability for excess tenders issued during the previous regime.

Defending Bandi Sanjay Kumar, Sunil Rao said the Union Minister had no role in awarding tenders or contracts. He credited him with securing Rs 840 crore under the UDF scheme for Karimnagar’s development.

He warned Ravinder Singh against making what he termed baseless allegations and demanded an apology.

BJP corporators and party leaders were present.