Minister seeks ED probe into Naidu's financial dealings

 Visakhapatnam: Industries and IT minister Gudivada Amarnath has sought a probe by the Enforcement Directorate into the financial dealings of TD chief N. Chandrababu Naidu.

He pointed out that the IT department has issued show cause notices on the former chief minister about  transactions of over Rs 118 crore via-a-vis the Amaravati capital constructions.

Addressing the media here on Monday, Amarnath said it was strange that Chandrababu was not accepting guilt even after the IT issued the notices.

“It was proven that Naidu had a hand in the Yeleru and stamps scam. It is well-known how he came to power after backstabbing NTR. His political journey from Naravaripalli to Jubilee Hills Palace is laced with corruption,’’ Amarnath said.

Naidu influenced and managed institutions to cover up his corruption, the minister said, adding, “The IT department, in its 46 page notice, had mentioned about all the illegalities in the transaction that benefited Naidu.”

“Chandrababu is rather questioning the locus standi of the IT department to seek an explanation from him. His personal assistant Srinivas Babu explained all the financial dealings of the former CM to the IT officials and how the TD chief benefited from construction of the Tidco houses, high court and CRDA.”

“Chandrababu also received Rs 15 crore in Dubai but misled the IT officials and diverted Rs 350 crore in the name of skill development,” the minister alleged.