BRS flags issue involving Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy to Governor

HYDERABAD

A delegation of Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) comprising MLAs, MLCs and other leaders called on Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla here on Monday and submitted a formal complaint seeking an inquiry into the alleged illegal mining and land grabbing of Minister for Revenue and Housing Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy.

The delegation led by party working president K.T. Rama Rao, Deputy Floor Leaders of the party in the Assembly T. Harish Rao, P. Sabitha Indra Reddy and T. Srinivas Yadav explained to the Governor in detail along with documentary evidence on the Minister’s large-scale illegal mining operations, unlawful land encroachments and other irregularities.

The delegation demanded immediate dismissal of the Minister and called for a judicial inquiry, preferably under the supervision of a sitting High Court judge, to ensure transparency and justice. The BRS leaders alleged that a company linked to the Minister, Raghava Constructions, had been carrying out illegal mining activities in violation of established norms, including operations in restricted zones such as catchment areas of twin reservoirs.

They further stated that the company was carrying out its activities without mandatory clearances such as mineral dealer licenses, pollution control approvals, electricity permissions and industrial clearances, resulting in the loss of crores to the exchequer.

The delegation brought to the Governor’s notice that when they raised the issue in the Assembly, the government chose to suspend and expel BRS MLAs and MLCs instead of addressing the allegations. They noted that even the government had admitted in the Assembly that notices were issued to Raghava Constructions, thereby acknowledging the irregularities.

Speaking to mediapersons later, Mr. Rama Rao stated that as there would be risk of influencing any inquiry conducted by the State government, he must be removed from office immediately and institute an inquiry either by a House Committee or a judicial probe. He urged the Governor to intervene in the matter in the interest of justice and direct an impartial investigation.

He stated that the Governor had assured that he would examine the matter positively. He criticised the silence of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on the issue.