"Well-planned conspiracy": TDP spokesperson on Chandrababu Naidu's arrest in 'skill development scam'
Sep 10, 2023
Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], September 10 : Amid the controversy around the arrest of former Andhra Pradesh chief minister and TDP president, N Chandrababu Naidu, in connection with the alleged skill development scam, party spokesperson Prem Kumar Jain on Sunday called it a well-planned conspiracy.
Speaking to ANI on Sunday, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) spokesperson said, "The arrest of our leader is part of a well-planned conspiracy by the ruling YSRCP (Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party). They know that they will not be able to retain power in the state assembly elections next year. We have full faith in our judiciary and believe that justice will be done."
"Forget arresting him, there has not been a single allegation against him in his entire political career. The people of Andhra Pradesh are aware that his politics is development-oriented. We believe justice will be delivered. We will challenge his arrest legally," Jain added.
Taking a swipe at Andhra CM Jagan Mohan Reddy, the TDP spokesperson said, "I want to say tell him (CM),
(See yourself in the mirror before raising your finger at others)."
Meanwhile, the TDP chief was on Sunday sent to 14 days' judicial custody in connection with the alleged Skill Development Corporation scam.
He was arrested on Saturday by the state Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in the case.
According to officials, the case pertains to the establishment of Centers of Excellence (CoEs) in Andhra Pradesh, with a total estimated project value of Rs 3300 crore.
CDI officials claimed further that the alleged fraud caused a huge loss to the state exchequer, adding that the loss was pegged at Rs 300 crores.
The CID said their investigation revealed serious irregularities, adding that even before any expenditure was incurred by private entities, the then TDP government provided an advance of Rs 371 crores.
Most of the money advanced by the government was diverted to shell companies through fake invoices, with no actual delivery or sale of the items mentioned in the invoices, CID officials claimed.
In its remand report, the CID said that as per the investigation so far, the total amount spent by private entities on six skill development clusters was sourced exclusively from funds advanced by the state government and the Skill Development Centre, totalling Rs 371 crores.
