₹20 Crore Bribe for a Post? Shocking Allegations Rock AP Power Sector

Touching a live wire gives an electric shock — and this news feels just as shocking. In the past, there were widespread allegations that some MLAs paid bribes ranging from ₹40 to ₹50 crore to secure ministerial positions. Now, a fresh buzz has emerged within the Andhra Pradesh IAS circles that a senior officer allegedly paid ₹20 crore as a bribe to obtain a particular post. Allegations are swirling that the Andhra Pradesh electricity department has turned into a major revenue source for both political leaders and officials. Not just small-scale corruption — there is reportedly a circulation of thousands of crores of rupees, according to widespread chatter among IAS officials. A senior IAS officer remarked that if an officer is paying ₹20 crore as a bribe for a post in the electricity department, it shows the scale of the deals taking place there. Even more surprising is the claim that the bribe was arranged not by the officer himself, but by a private company on his behalf. There is a growing perception that the Andhra Pradesh electricity department is no longer under government control but rather in the hands of certain private companies. From postings to projects and contracts — everything is reportedly decided by these companies, say administrative sources.

However, not all companies benefit — this “bumper offer” is said to be available only to a select few. Those aligned with those in power reportedly face no obstacles. Meanwhile, there are reports that the Andhra Pradesh government is allocating all power projects in the state in a “some for you, some for us” fashion to select companies. In all of this, the role of Electricity Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar is reportedly very limited, while the real operations are allegedly being handled by key individuals behind the scenes within the government, as widely discussed in government circles. Ironically, those who had accused the previous Jagan regime of destroying the power sector are now reportedly doing worse, according to critics. On the other hand, the state’s Chief Secretary K. Vijayanand is also serving as the Special CS for the electricity department. Not only that, he continues to hold the positions of CMD of AP Transco and Chairman of AP Genco. Usually, it's rare for a Chief Secretary to be given regular subject portfolios, so the decision of the Chandrababu government to entrust the entire power sector to Vijayanand has reportedly surprised even senior bureaucrats.

That a sitting CS has also been given the responsibilities of the electricity department — and additionally appointed as CMD of Transco and Chairman of Genco — is seen as a sign that all this is proceeding according to a larger agenda. Allegations are growing that those in power, along with certain officers, are acting arbitrarily and causing significant losses to the state treasury. There are also serious allegations of large-scale corruption in the allocation of projects. A senior IAS officer stated that it’s as if no other IAS officers exist in the state — every key position in the electricity department has been handed over to Vijayanand alone, further proving that everything is happening according to a specific agenda.