It has been 16 months since the YSR Congress party lost power to the Telugu Desam Party-led coalition in the assembly elections.
Yet, some of its senior leaders continue to have control over the administration and get their works done easily.
Take the case of senior YSRCP leader and former minister Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy.
He appears to be still calling shots in the government and continuing to control the lucrative granite mining business in Andhra Pradesh, even under the present coalition government.
According to reports, the former YSRCP minister has still been securing valuable mining leases under benami names, later selling them for crores of rupees, thanks to his clout in the department of mines.
Reportedly, Peddireddy’s personal assistant obtained four granite leases during the previous YSRCP regime under the name of Murali Krishna Stone Crushers, owned by P Ramesh from Kanamamitta in Nagari mandal.
These leases, located across Vizianagaram and Anakapalli districts, were allegedly awarded after competitors were sidelined during the auction process.
Despite knowing these connections, the mines department issued formal approval orders on June 30, 2024, citing submission of clearances.
Sources claim the approvals were processed swiftly under pressure from senior officials still loyal to Peddireddy’s network.
Sangireddy Swathi, wife of YSRCP assembly party office secretary Sangireddy Shiva, is also set to receive a lease in Nandigam mandal of Srikakulam district. Departmental files recommending approval are reportedly ready for clearance this week.
One wonders whether current mines minister Kollu Ravindra is aware of these developments, or whether bureaucrats are acting independently.
“But it clearly shows how strong Peddireddy’s network is in Andhra’s mining sector, where political power continues to dictate resource allocation even after regime change,” a source said.
