Did CM Revanth Reddy Shield Megha Engineering in Kaleshwaram Scam?

Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, while in the opposition, made numerous allegations against Megha Engineering Company. The key accusations against the Kaleshwaram Project, constructed during the BRS regime, revolved around rampant corruption and inflated estimates. Revanth Reddy, during his tenure as PCC President, spoke repeatedly on the matter. He had earlier criticized that the estimates were deliberately inflated to benefit Megha Engineering and facilitate looting. The flaws in the Kaleshwaram Project, built under the BRS government, were exposed even before the elections. The CAG also highlighted corruption in this project in its reports. Cut to the present — after coming to power, CM Revanth Reddy constituted a commission led by retired judge P.C. Ghose to investigate the Kaleshwaram Project. However, according to official sources, several key aspects were allegedly excluded from the scope of this investigation.

Some ministers and Congress leaders believe that CM Revanth Reddy deliberately did this to protect Megha Engineering Company. Although the P.C. Ghose Commission has submitted its report to the government, a special cabinet meeting was convened on Monday to discuss and take a decision on it. Even though the report hasn't been officially released, media reports indicate that the blame is largely being directed at former CM KCR. Though KCR changed his stance after the investigation began, during his time as CM he openly claimed full responsibility for the project, stating that everything was done under his directive. In recent months, when the ACB conducted raids on engineers responsible for the Kaleshwaram Project, reports emerged that three engineers were found to possess assets worth ₹1,000 crore based on market value. A senior minister pointed out that if just three engineers accumulated such massive assets, it's easy to imagine the extent of illicit gains made by those who sanctioned and executed this ₹1 lakh crore-plus project.

Based on this report, there appears to be no scope for taking direct action against KCR or anyone else. A senior leader revealed that this is more likely to be used for political mileage and to delay matters by conducting another round of inquiry. A senior official opined that it's hard to believe any action will be taken against anyone now, especially after Megha — the main beneficiary — was excluded from the investigation's purview. Meanwhile, the P.C. Ghose Commission reportedly blamed the Finance Department. Ramakrishna Rao, the IAS officer who headed the Finance Department during the BRS regime, is now serving as the Chief Secretary to the Telangana government. There are doubts over whether he, in his role as CS, will allow the report that finds fault with him to proceed. Questions are being raised over whether CM Revanth Reddy will insist on moving forward even if those indicted include people currently holding key positions. Another strange aspect, as officials note, is that the same company which Revanth Reddy severely accused while in opposition has now become influential under his government. Similarly, the Madan B. Lokur Committee, which was set up to investigate irregularities and corruption in the power department during the BRS era, submitted its report several months ago — yet, no action has been taken so far. This has now led to multiple doubts and suspicions.