Amaravati done, Polavaram next. That’s the messaging from the YSRCP government in Andhra Pradesh. With the World Bank funding for Amaravati scrapped after the Centre said no to its wish to conduct a probe into allegations of irregularities in the capital region project, Jaganmohan Reddy has now promised fresh disclosures on alleged corruption in the mega irrigation project within 15 days. 

“We have appointed a committee that will look into all the irregularities that took place during TDP government’s tenure. In just 15 days, the report will come and we will get to know the facts how much TDP leaders have looted in the name of Polavaram,” said Jagan in the Andhra Pradesh assembly. 

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The chief minister, in the presence of his predecessor Chandrababu Naidu, named specific people who he alleged had benefited from bagging contracts. 

“The TDP government allotted contracts at enhanced rates. Former Finance minister Y Ramakrishnudu’s relative got one sub-contract. Even without doing any work, the government has transferred Rs 724 crore as advance to the contractors,” Jagan claimed. 

Corruption in the national project has been one of the allegations, leveled by the YSRCP even when it was in the opposition. Earlier this week, its Rajya Sabha MP Vijayasai Reddy asked an oral question to the Union Jal Shakti minister if the Centre plans to order a CBI inquiry into allegations of corruption in relief and resettlement packages in the Polavaram project. Minister Gajendra Shekhawat merely said both issues were in the purview of the state government. 

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Immediately after coming to power, Jagan had pointed to the possibility of reverse tendering in big ticket projects. The government believes Andhra can save close to Rs 6500 crore by re-allotting contracts to the lowest bidders in Polavaram. The Centre is funding this national project which is to cost Rs 55000 crore.