In a fiery press conference that sent political ripples across Andhra Pradesh, YSR Congress Party leaders leveled explosive corruption allegations against the state's Municipal Administration Minister. The accusations center on what they call a "massive waste management scam"—one they claim has cost taxpayers ₹1,200 crore.
The Core Allegations
YSRCP Nellore district president Kakani Govardhan Reddy and MLC Parvathareddy Chandrasekhar Reddy didn't hold back during their Sunday media briefing in Nellore. Their central claim: official garbage clearance figures mysteriously ballooned from 85 lakh tonnes to 163 lakh tonnes without proper administrative approvals.
| Metric | Original Figure | Alleged Inflated Figure |
|---|---|---|
| Garbage Cleared | 85 lakh tonnes | 163 lakh tonnes |
"The contractors were paid around ₹800 a tonne," Mr. Chandrasekhar Reddy stated, his voice cutting through the crowded room. "This resulted in unauthorised payments of an additional 15% volume allowance. This cost the State exchequer a loss of ₹60 crore."
Demanding Transparency
The opposition leaders raised twelve pointed questions about solid waste collection, legacy clearing, equipment procurement, and plant viability. Their demand was clear: Minister Ponguru Narayana must provide answers.
"The exact quantity of waste excavated from beneath the ground across various local bodies should be made public," Mr. Govardhan Reddy insisted. "We need to know who is truly benefitting from the cleanliness drive."
Their challenge to the Minister wasn't just through media—they openly called for a public debate on the issue, signaling they're ready to back their claims with evidence.
Political Implications
This isn't just about garbage numbers. At stake is public trust in urban development projects and the cleanliness initiatives that affect millions of citizens. The YSRCP's move puts intense scrutiny on Narayana's ministry at a time when waste management remains a critical urban challenge.
This report contains allegations that have not been independently verified. Readers should await official investigation results before drawing conclusions.
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