HYDERABAD: Leader of the Opposition N. Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday released fresh documents as proof of irregularities in the Sripadasagar project tenders and vowed to present more in the coming days.

"We will not allow the Government to loot the exchequer in the name of irrigation projects," he said addressing a press conference after being suspended from the Assembly.

Producing a copy of the minutes of the meeting of the high power committee on July 30, 2005, he said it clearly showed Chief Minister Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy's interference and that bids for 14 packages relating to nine prioritised projects including Sripadasagar were opened without administrative sanction. The Principal Secretary (Finance) noted that bids were opened without the administrative sanction and that it should not have been done.

The same note speaks of the Principal Secretary (Irrigation) bringing to notice of the committee the fact that "circulation orders were obtained from the Chief Minister for inviting bids for these packages pending administrative sanction." Though it also mentions the Principal Secretary (Irrigation) assuring the committee that no bids would be opened without administrative sanction, the opposite was done, he alleged.

APAO's letter

Another copy released by Mr. Naidu was the letter written by Assistant Pay and Accounts Officer to the Executive Engineer after scrutiny of the "security of agreement" with the contracting firm for the Sripadasagar works. The APAO observed that the administrative approval, detailed data of estimates and details of bank guarantee towards bid security were not received, despite a reminder.

He said the Government seemed elated after distorting a question posed by his party colleagues.

"It only shows their bankruptcy. Let them disprove us. They think they can escape by branding everything as fake. We will not leave them." Asked if the party would see the files kept with the Major Irrigation Minister, he said a decision would be taken after consulting other Opposition parties.

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