Upping the attack on A Revanth Reddy led Congress government in Telangana, the Opposition party BRS has raised questions on ownership of Swachh Bio, a lignocellulosic biofuels company, which has announced investment in Telangana during the ongoing tour of the Chief Minister to the US.

BRS claimed Reddy’s US visit is for family benefit and alleged that the CM’s brothers benefit from Rs. 1000 crore Swachh Bio deal. The Opposition has alleged that the company was incorporated days before the CM’s tour to the US and that the CM’s brother was a director of it.

An official announcement came on Tuesday that in presence of Reddy and his team Swachh Bio would set up a 250KLPD second-generation, cellulosic biofuels plant in Telangana.

BRS leader Manne Krishank held a press conference on Wednesday, making serious allegations against CM’s visit to the US. Quoting newspaper reports, he said, a deal worth Rs. 1000 crore with Swachh Bio, a two week old company allegedly owned by his family was signed, raising concerns about family rule and nepotism.

Krishank claimed that Swachh Bio’s first director is Vedavalli Sivananda Reddy, who runs a bar in Uttar Pradesh, and the second director is Anumula Jagadeesh Reddy, the Chief Minister’s brother. He pointed out that neither of them were present during the MoU signing.

According to Krishank, Harsha Pasunoori, who is a proxy for CM’s brother, was in the photo with the CM. He stated that the Ministry of Corporate Affairs indicated Swachh Bio was established in July, questioning how such a new company could secure a Rs. 1000 crore deal.

The company announced a capital investment of over ₹1,000 crore, in the first phase, which will provide employment to 250 people at the plant, and 250 people in additional support and other roles. The agreement was signed by Praveen Paripati, Chairperson, Swachh Bio.

Krishank did not stop here. He further questioned the necessity of large entourage of 30 members accompanying the CM to the USA, implying it was to further his brother’s business interests & settle them.

He also demanded Congress leaders respond to these allegations, also bringing to light an Rs. 830 crore deal with Walsh Karra, another dubious company. BRS propose to further escalate the issue.

While the Chief Minister’s office did not respond to the issue a tweet quoting Jayesh Ranjan, Principal Secretary, Industries and IT Department, who is part of the delegation, came in late evening stating that the current visit to America was going smoothly in attracting investments that will contribute to the development of Telangana.

“He said that he has the experience of handling the process of agreements with global leaders on behalf of the state for the last ten years. Ranjan stated that as an officer who is committed to the profession in public government, he will give priority to the interests of Telangana,” the tweet from CPRO to CM said.

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