Amaravati: Former Andhra Pradesh Energy Minister Balineni Srinivasa Reddy has openly criticized Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy’s governance style, contrasting it with that of his father, the late YS Rajasekhara Reddy. Speaking in an interview with Eenadu-ETV, Balineni highlighted his discontent with the lack of ministerial autonomy in Jagan’s administration.
“In YSR’s cabinet, as a minister, I made decisions within my department and later consulted the Chief Minister. Under Jagan, ministers were merely nominal, with decisions taken entirely at the CMO level,” Balineni said.
Addressing the allegations involving the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) deal, he revealed that the power purchase agreement, which allegedly involved bribes of ₹1,750 crores to Jagan, was neither discussed in the cabinet nor brought to his attention as the energy minister. He asserted that the agreements were finalized at the CMO level, bypassing ministerial oversight.
Balineni also alleged that private contractors dictated key appointments, such as DISCOM CMDs, during his tenure. He expressed regret over serving in Jagan’s cabinet amidst such practices.
The former minister refuted claims of any irregularities during his tenure in YSR’s government and clarified his limited involvement in YS family affairs.
