The YSR Congress Party may have lost power in the Andhra Pradesh Assembly elections in May 2024, but its leaders continue to secure contracts, evade consequences for alleged illegal land dealings, and operate syndicates in sand and mineral mining.
Apparently, these YSRCP leaders are able to “manage” the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leadership by sharing their earnings, allowing them to continue their operations.
They are also allegedly influencing lower-level TDP leaders with money and, in some cases, taking them on as business partners.
There have been several instances where YSRCP leaders or their associates have secured contracts with the support of officials who still wield influence in the government.
“Since the TDP leadership is more focused on making quick money, they have remained silent—except in cases where the media has exposed scams,” sources said.
Just hours after the media exposed YSRCP leader and former minister Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy’s alleged illegal encroachment of forest land in Punganuru, another report emerged about a YSRCP leader securing a liquor stock contract due to his close ties with an official who held significant influence during the YSRCP regime.
Even as the TDP government claimed to have ordered an inquiry into the alleged illegal dealings of former Andhra Pradesh State Beverages Corporation Limited (APSBCL) Managing Director Donthireddy Vasudeva Reddy, the media uncovered yet another controversy—his relative, Vijaya Reddy, had secured the fire insurance tender for the state’s liquor warehouses.
On July 10 last year, APSBCL invited tenders for fire insurance covering 29 liquor warehouses, with the deadline closing on July 21.
However, only one company, Shield Broking Insurance, owned by Vijaya Reddy—who has ties to the YSRCP—qualified for the bid, raising suspicions of foul play.
Allegations suggest that the tender conditions were deliberately tailored to favor Shield Broking Insurance, effectively preventing competing firms from bidding. This controversy has sparked discussions within both the insurance sector and APSBCL.
By setting such restrictive conditions, other potential bidders were excluded, allowing Shield Broking Insurance to win the contract uncontested.
Despite concerns being raised with the concerned minister, officials proceeded with awarding the tender to Shield.
Sources indicate that if the government launches a comprehensive investigation, it is highly likely that behind-the-scenes agreements and corruption will be exposed.
