KCR accuses the probe panel of ‘irregularities’ in the power sector during the BRS period and asks its chief to step down

Hyderabad: Former Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao, to whom an inquiry committee had issued a notice over ‘irregularities’ in the power sector during the previous BRS regime, on Saturday alleged that the functioning of the panel chairman was not fair.

In a 12-page open letter, Rao said retired judge L. Narasimha Reddy, who heads the commission, should step down.

In a letter addressed to Justice Reddy, Rao detailed the measures taken by his previous regime to address the alleged crisis in the power sector that existed in Telangana before June 2014, when his government assumed office with the formation of the new state.

Saying that his government has managed to provide 24×7 power to all sectors of the state, Rao alleged that the current Congress regime ordered the inquiry commission “for clear political reasons and to discredit the earlier government”.

Rao, also known as KCR, objected to Justice Reddy’s comments while talking to the media on June 11.

“An investigation of this nature requires the chairman to demonstrate and practice neutrality and extract the truth after examining issues from various angles. Once this has been carried out, the report should be forwarded to the responsible persons. However, I am compelled to note that your manner of functioning is contrary to well-formulated policies and processes,” Rao said.

“It is very clear that you have formed a preconceived opinion that mistakes were made, which indicates your biased view, which may be reflected in the final report,” he said.

It is as if the chairman of the committee was passing judgment even before conducting the inquiry and it does not befit the position of a retired Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Rao said.

“After considering all these facts, the inescapable conclusion is that it is futile to submit anything before the commission of inquiry. Therefore, taking into account all these facts, I humbly ask you to resign from your duties as head of the investigative commission,” said the chairman of the BRS.

Rao alleged that the present Congress government had constituted an inquiry commission under the chairmanship of Justice Reddy, bypassing the “well-known legal position” that inquiry commissions cannot be constituted despite orders of the ERC (Electricity Regulatory Commission).

Rao justified his government’s decision by signing a PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) with Chattisgarh, setting up the Yadadri power plant and others.

Meanwhile, the ruling Congress attacked the BRS president over the letter. State Congress working president Mahesh Kumar Goud said Rao was worried that his “mistakes” would come to light.

Why doesn’t the former prime minister try to prove he didn’t make a mistake, Goud asked.

The commission of inquiry, probing alleged irregularities in the power sector during the tenure of the previous BRS government, has issued notices to Rao and several others and sought their response as part of the ongoing inquiry.

On June 11, Justice Reddy told reporters that Rao had sought time till the end of July to submit his reply, but the commission told him to submit it by June 15 as he only had a limited period.