In a stunning revelation, the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) has exposed a massive financial scandal worth ₹167 crore under the previous Telugu Desam Party (TDP) government in Andhra Pradesh. The scam allegedly involved the distribution of sewing machines to women from Backward Classes during the tenure of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.
According to the YSRCP, the state government had procured sewing machines at highly inflated prices, leading to a significant misuse of public funds. The party claims that the machines were bought for nearly ₹17,000 each, while their actual market value was around ₹5,000.
YSRCP leader and prominent MLA, Roja, presented detailed evidence to substantiate the allegations. She stated that the government had placed orders for over 10 lakh sewing machines, resulting in the staggering ₹167 crore loss to the exchequer.
The opposition party has accused the TDP government of engaging in corrupt practices and siphoning off funds meant for the welfare of underprivileged women. They allege that the sewing machines were distributed as part of a populist scheme, but the implementation was marred by financial irregularities and cronyism.
The YSRCP has demanded a thorough investigation into the matter and has called for the recovery of the misappropriated funds. The party has also urged the current YSR Congress government, led by Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, to take immediate action and ensure accountability for the alleged scam.
The sewing machine scandal has further intensified the political tensions between the YSRCP and the TDP, with both parties trading accusations and seeking to gain political mileage. The issue is likely to become a major talking point in the run-up to the upcoming local elections in Andhra Pradesh.
As the investigation into the matter progresses, the public will be keenly watching to see whether the alleged corruption and financial mismanagement will be adequately addressed, and whether the responsible parties will be held accountable for their actions.
