In a recent development, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy has accused his predecessor, Chandrababu Naidu, of orchestrating a fraudulent agreement involving a non-existent company, amounting to ₹371 crore in a corruption case linked to the state's skill development corporation. Naidu, who is also the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief, has been arrested in connection with this case.
The alleged agreement implicated a company named Siemens; however, Siemens has issued a formal statement denying any association with the ₹371 crore transaction and the said agreement. Chief Minister Reddy made these claims during a speech in Nidadavolu, East Godavari District.
According to Reddy, investigative agencies, including state authorities and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) of the Government of India, exposed the individuals involved in the skill scam and the misappropriation of ₹371 crore. He further alleged Naidu's significant involvement in the fraudulent agreement, presenting compelling evidence and documents.
Reddy stated that Naidu disregarded warnings from government officials advising against proceeding with the agreement, compelling them to move forward. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) presented substantial evidence, and ED investigations traced the misappropriated funds to shell companies, resulting in additional arrests.
The IT department also uncovered incriminating chats involving Naidu's personal assistant, implicating those responsible for orchestrating the fraudulent agreements.
In response, the TDP organized a candle march to protest Naidu's arrest, denouncing the accusations as false and unethical. Naidu's family members, including his wife Bhuvaneshwari and daughter-in-law Brahmani, participated in the candlelight rally in Rajahmundry.
Nara Lokesh, TDP's general secretary and Naidu's son, criticized the arrest, claiming it was an attempt by a known corrupt chief minister to undermine the party's campaign against him. Lokesh also questioned the slow progress of criminal cases against Reddy, raising concerns about potential political motivations.
The arrest of Chandrababu Naidu has stirred up Andhra Pradesh politics, setting the stage for a tense political atmosphere ahead of upcoming Assembly and Lok Sabha elections scheduled for next year.
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