At a time when Telugu Desam Party president and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has been loudly proclaiming the state's dire financial situation, some of his own cabinet colleagues are allegedly amassing vast sums of money through corrupt practices.
One such minister is reported to have purchased a private jet worth approximately ₹150 crore - within just nine months of assuming office. Despite being aware of this, Naidu has chosen to remain silent, sources say.
According to sources within the TDP, the minister did not purchase the aircraft in his own name but registered it under the name of an associate who acts as his benami. The minister’s identity is being kept under wraps for now.
The private jet reportedly comes with the same advanced features and range as the official aircraft used by the Chief Minister himself.
Sources reveal that the minister did not fund the purchase from his personal wealth; instead, the entire deal was facilitated by a well-known power broker closely linked to the political power center.
This power broker, who was once in financial ruin just a few years ago, has allegedly built enormous wealth with the backing of two major political parties currently in power.
Reports suggest that one of these parties has been funneling illegally acquired funds through the broker into various sectors, including energy.
As part of this arrangement, the minister is believed to have both invested his illicit earnings through the broker and used him to acquire the private jet. The aircraft, which can seat up to 14 passengers, is estimated to cost around ₹150 crore.
Despite the broker’s track record of deceiving numerous individuals in the past, the minister reportedly has full confidence in him and has entrusted him with all financial matters.
An IAS officer was quoted as saying, “If the minister can afford such a jet within months of taking office, he might very well buy four or five more in the near future.”
