Naini Coal Block allegations are fabricated, claims Deputy CM Bhatti

Hyderabad: In a direct and impassioned address to the media on Sunday, deputy chief minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka characterised the allegations of the Naini Coal Block controversy as ‘fabricated stories’ and ‘character assassination’.

Addressing the media at Praja Bhavan in Hyderabad, he said, “My entry into politics was never for financial gain but to protect Telangana State resources.”

What is the controversy?

There have been allegations that the tender process of Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) for Naini Coal Block in Odisha reportedly has irregularities. The block was allocated to Telangana.

40-year-old political career

In a long rebuttal on Sunday, Bhatti said, “I am not here to build empires. My political career is an open book, and it is dedicated to the people.

Clarification of the allegations

On the Independence of the Singareni Board, Bhatti Vikramarka clarified that the executive wing, not the ministry, handles these processes.

He said, “The Singareni Board finalises the tender conditions and regulations. Ministers have no role in framing them. The ‘Field Visit’ clause mentioned in the report is a standard procedure for mines in difficult terrains and is used by Central government organisations as well. To write otherwise shows a lack of basic knowledge or a deliberate attempt to mislead.”

Directive to cancel tenders

The Deputy CM revealed that as soon as the allegations surfaced, he prioritised transparency over procedure by instructing the board to scrap the existing process.

He clarified, “Even though the board informed me that the tenders were called but no bids had been submitted yet, I instructed them to cancel the tenders immediately and call for fresh ones. We want to ensure there is not even a shadow of doubt regarding the integrity of our institutions.”

Personal attacks

Bhatti Vikramarka attributed the negative reporting to personal vendetta against him and warned that it would not be taken lying down.

Vision for Telangana’s assets

Deputy CM emphasised his commitment to the state’s welfare, describing Singareni as the ‘soul of Telangana.’

Bhatti said, “I did not enter politics to expand business empires or enjoy positions of power. I came to protect Telangana’s assets from looters and bandits. Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy and the entire cabinet are working for the broader interests of the people, and we will not be intimidated.”