BRS chief and former chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao alleged that Justice Narasimha Reddy commission of enquiry appeared to be biased and working with a preconceived notion to present a report against the BRS. He advised Justice Reddy to step down voluntarily.
In a 12-page written reply to the notice served by the Commission on the alleged irregularities in the power sector during the BRS government tenure, the Leader of Opposition found fault with the commission for being biased as seen from the statements made in the press even as the probe was under progress.
He objected that the Congress government had set up an inquiry commission on power issues to discredit him and the then government with the political party. He said that it is most unfortunate that the present government is trying to downplay the achievements of the previous government.
He described the constitution of the commission as illegal and expressed his displeasure that the then state government had done something wrong without considering all aspects and attributed malicious intentions.
He also raised doubts over an impartial probe into the alleged irregularities. “Considering your statements in the press, it appears that you have already a preconceived notion to give a report against the BRS government”, he alleged.
KCR made it clear that there will be no purpose in appearing before you in person to explain different aspects. He deplored making of many irrelevant comments without examining the matter thoroughly. He asserted that under normal circumstances some extraordinary decisions have to be taken by a government.
Earlier this week, the inquiry commission had served notices on 25 officials and others including the former Chief Minister seeking their written explanation on the allegations. Explaining in detail the power situation during 2014 in Telangana, KCR explained with facts and figures every aspect as to how the power crisis was addressed by the BRS government.
Recalling the power crisis during the bifurcation of the State, he reminded that there was a power crisis of 2,700 MW. This apart, Andhra Pradesh, against the rules, abolished power supply, resulting in an additional power crisis of 1,500 MW, besides 900 MW deficiency due to lack of gas-based power generation. In total, there was a deficiency of nearly 5,000 MW, he said.
However, he recalled that the BRS government took several measures to improve the power situation and introduced a few reforms. Accordingly, the installed power capacity, which was about 7,778 MW in the State, was increased to 20,000 MW, he explained.
KCR asserted that all this was achieved by studying the practices adopted by other State governments, adhering to the Central government rules and obtaining necessary permissions.