YSRC objects to TS speaker's comments on Naidu's arrest

 VIJAYAWADA: YSR Congress is continuing its tirade against former chief minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s involvement in the skill development scam. The ruling party defended the ex-CM’s arrest and affirmed that action will be taken against officials too if their role is established in the scam.

Education minister Botsa Satyanarayana claimed there is strong evidence of corruption against Chandrababu, who is acting as though he is innocent. He alleged that Naidu had indulged in corruption for years. “It is only now that the thief has been caught and sent to jail,” Botsa remarked.

The minister said YSRC has no objection to BJP AP president Daggubati Purandeswari seeking a probe into sales of liquor in Andhra Pradesh. “She can ask for the probe,” he remarked.

Addressing a press conference here on Saturday, the minister, however, objected to Telangana assembly speaker Pocharam Srinivasa Reddy’s comments in support of Chandrababu Naidu and against the latter’s arrest.

Satyanarayana refuted allegations of Pocharam that Chandrababu had been arrested without giving any reason. He asked whether a leader in a responsible position should speak like this. He commented that if Pocharam thinks that Chandrababu has done no wrong, he should talk about it with Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao.

Satyanarayana said while the state government gave its full share of ₹371 crore towards the skill development project, why did it not ensure that Siemens company too invested its share of Rs 3,000 crore. “Why are Chandrababu and his party leaders not talking about this aspect at all,” he asked.

The minister affirmed that if officials are involved in the scam, action will be taken against them. He, however, underlined that officials had clearly noted on files not to release funds. However, funds got released as per orders of the then CM Naidu. Officials wrote the same thing in their note, he pointed out.

Satyanarayana maintained that government officials and CID are treating Naidu with respect. They are waiting for him to wake up, he stated.

Replying to a question, the minister said Old Pension Scheme and Contributory Pension Scheme are “finished items”. Now, there is Guaranteed Pension Scheme, he added.