Swift Summary:
- BJP MLA Payal shankar criticized the Congress-led State government for limiting the scope of the Central Bureau of Examination (CBI) probe into the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP).
- The investigation currently covers construction of three barrages – Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla – instead of examining all aspects, including canals, pump houses, power stations, and a change in project site from Tummidhatti too Medigadda.
- Mr. Shankar alleged this move shields certain entities from full accountability and suggested it helps both Congress and Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS).
- He claimed irregularities in KLIP involve a potential ₹1 lakh crore scam but stated that the current probe addresses only ₹12,000 crore related to barrages alone.
- Accusations include tampering with evidence through repairs at barrages despite prior investigations by the PC Ghose commission.
- Mr. Shankar demanded an amendment to Terms of Reference (ToR) in order to investigate all components comprehensively; otherwise, he threatened that BJP would approach the Supreme Court within 15 days for a broader inquiry.
Indian Opinion Analysis:
The controversy surrounding KLIP underscores longstanding concerns about clarity in large-scale infrastructure projects. Limiting investigative scope may hinder uncovering systemic issues or mismanagement across various components beyond just barrages-the canals or pump houses could hold crucial insights into corruption claims exceeded ₹1 lakh crore as alleged by critics like Mr. Payal-Shankar critical multi-parties . Result range verdict importance awaits upon this clarifications such leveraging strong govt