Singareni Collieries faces privatisation allegations and coal shortage claims

In Telangana, political tensions are rising over the management of the Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) and regional power stability. Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) Working President KT Rama Rao has accused the ruling Congress government of conspiring to privatise the public-sector coal miner. Rao alleged significant financial irregularities, claiming the state owes SCCL approximately ₹60,000 crore and that 40 lakh metric tonnes of coal have gone missing from inventory.

Simultaneously, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has addressed severe electricity disruptions across the state. The Chief Minister warned of strict disciplinary action, including the potential suspension of senior IAS officers and power department officials, if negligence regarding power outages continues. He emphasized the need for uninterrupted electricity for farmers and ordered preparations to mitigate the impact of El Niño, which he described as a “Covid-like disaster” that could lead to shortages in drinking water, power, and cattle fodder.

Opposition leaders, including BRS MLA Harish Rao, have also criticized government initiatives such as the proposed Rythu DISCOM, arguing it could threaten free electricity for farmers due to staffing and resource concerns.