CM Cup 'Aadudam Andhra': CID orders probe against ex-YSRCP ministers Roja, Krishnadas

Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh Crime Investigation Department (CID) has ordered an inquiry into the irregularities in the CM Cup 'Aadudam Andhra' program.

ADG CID Ravi Shankar Ayyanar has directed Vijayawada Police Commissioner SV Rajasekhar Babu to conduct an inquiry against former YSRCP ministers RK Roja, Dharmana Krishnadas, and two others regarding irregularities in the CM Cup 'Aadudam Andhra' program

The CID began their probe on former Minister for Sports and Tourism RK Roja and former Minister for Revenue Dharmana Krishnadas (former AP Olympic Association president) based on a complaint filed by former national Kabbadi player and Atya-Patya Association CEO RD Prasad.

In his complaint, Prasad alleged that the two former ministers committed several malpractices and misused funds in the name of CM Cup ‘Aadudam Andhra’ thereby causing crores of rupees loss to the government. During the previous YSRCP’s regime Aadudam Andhra program was organized with Rs 150 crore outlay.

There were many complaints that huge amounts of funds were misused in this program, Minister for Transport, Youth and Sports, Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy also lambasted the previous YSRCP government for allegedly resorting to corruption. He said around Rs 120 crore was spent on ‘Aadudam Andhra’ in just 40 days. He also added that stern action would be taken against those found guilty.

What is Aadudam Andhra?

The previous YSRCP government organised Aadudam Andhra, a 47-day sports festival. It had set two goals: to help the youth maintain good physical health through extensive exercise, and assist in identifying young people with potential so that appropriate action could be taken to support them.

On December 26, 2023, former chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy opened the sports festival in Guntur, which concluded on February 10, 2024. An awareness campaign about the advantages of leading an active physical lifestyle and participating in an outdoor sport to ensure good health was launched during the festival, which was held at over 9,000 schools, colleges, and universities (Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh) playgrounds.

It may be noted that a couple of days ago, the ACB officials conducted searches at YSRCP senior leader and former minister Jogi Ramesh's residence at Ibrahimpatnam, NTR district. After the raids, the ACB arrested Jogi Ramesh's son, Jogi Rajeev, along with Ambapuram mandal revenue surveyor Ajmeer Ramesh, in connection with the Agri Gold land scam in Ambapuramthe area of Vijayawada.