BJP demands probe into Pattiseema

Alleging a corruption of ₹320 crore as a preliminary estimate in the Pattiseema lift scheme on the Godavari, BJP Floor Leader in the Assembly P. Vishnu Kumar Raju demanded an inquiry by the CBI, a sitting judge or engineering experts.

His charges mainly centred on accepting an extra cost of 22 % instead of a premium of 5 % for the original estimate of ₹1,170 crore, paying ₹21,313 for digging one cubic metre of earth totalling ₹60 crore, taking up an alternative method for pump house spending ₹87.6 crore more and installing only 24 instead of 30 pumps. For shifting one lorry-load of dug-out earth, ₹394 a cubic metre was paid instead of the fixed ₹92.60.

In spite of the excess cost, the work was completed in the scheduled 12 months.

Mr. Raju told reporters here that the evidence came to their notice in January. The CAG report pointed out the lacunae and the Public Accounts Committee of Assembly was not satisfied with the replies given by officials concerned.

That’s why the issue was being raised now as evidence was available though he was in support of the Pattiseema scheme per se, he said in reply to HRD Minister Ganta Srinivasa Rao accusing him of double standards. “People know your standards but don’t mislead people on my standards,” Mr. Raju said.

Even in the Assembly, Ministers Uma Maheswara Rao and Achennaidu stated that he had praised the scheme in the past.

He said he would decide on the course of action depending on the Chief Minister’s response.

The MLA contested the claim of the Chief Minister that 86 % people were happy with sand supply stating that a lorry-load of sand was costing up to ₹16,000 in Visakhapatnam and for each lorry, the cost was ₹10,000 more. Lakhs of rupees was being made at a single ramp, he said.

Contradiction

MLC P.V.N. Madhav said the CM congratulating the Chief Secretary and other officials for getting 82 % more funds was proof of the Union government’s commitment to the development of A.P.

“Is it discrimination to grant 6.8 lakh urban houses, ₹47,000 crore for shipping and ₹.1.15 lakh crore to A.P.?” he asked.

BJP city president M. Nagendra and BJP State finance committee vice-chairman Kasi Viswanatha Raju were present.