The solar power agreements signed by the previous YSRCP government in Andhra Pradesh, particularly with SECI (Solar Energy Corporation of India), have become a focal point of controversy after recent allegations in a U.S. court. The court claims that Adani Group Chairman, Gautam Adani, allegedly paid substantial bribes linked to these deals. In a press conference held yesterday, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy defended these agreements, questioning the criticism, “Instead of recognizing my efforts in securing electricity at such low rates, why am I being criticized?”
Today, Y.S. Sharmila, the President of the Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC), strongly responded to Jagan’s defense. She raised key concerns, pointing out the discrepancies in the pricing of electricity. “In Gujarat, Adani sells power at Rs. 1.99 per unit, but in Andhra Pradesh, the same company is charging Rs. 2.49 per unit. Shouldn’t this raise questions?” she asked. She further criticized the deal, questioning why Andhra Pradesh couldn’t secure the same price as Gujarat and whether Jagan deserved any praise for pushing forward an agreement that no other state would sign. Sharmila also questioned the higher transmission charges in Andhra Pradesh compared to Gujarat.
Continuing her attack, Sharmila referred to the deal with Adani as “historic”—but in a highly negative light. “Meeting with Adani is part of history; paying Rs. 1,750 crore in alleged bribes is another chapter. Declaring unsold electricity as a ‘bumper offer’ is another story. Approving such a deal in a matter of hours, without consulting the public, is yet another. Scrapping all tenders for Adani is another remarkable moment. And putting a burden of Rs. 1.67 lakh crore on the people of Andhra Pradesh is the darkest chapter in this history,” Sharmila said, criticizing the government’s handling of the deal.
Sharmila also challenged Jagan to swear on the Bible, asserting that he did not personally gain from the Adani agreement. “If you claim you didn’t benefit, swear on the Bible. Where is my name in the U.S. investigation report?” she asked. She questioned whether Jagan was truly making all the decisions or if others were pulling the strings behind the scenes. Concluding her remarks, Sharmila sarcastically said, “Jagan surely deserves an Oscar for his acting skills.”