Hyderabad: Telangana Dy. CM and Energy Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka directed the SCCL officials to cancel the auction of the Naini coal blocks in Angul district of Odisha.

Speaking to the media persons on Sunday Bhatti Vikramarka took this decision after a Telugu news outlet alleged that the Deputy CM was involved in corrupt coal block allotment processes.

He described the media reports as rubbish and he said that SCCL Board finalizes the tenders and that Ministers had no role in the process. I entered politics with a specific purpose and not to accumulate wealth. I am here to protect public assets from looters and bandits, he said.

A Telugu newspaper on Sunday alleged that the defamatory reports aired by the news channel was to curb competition for the Naini coal block tender. The newspaper claimed that both, Minister Komatireddy and Dy CM Bhatti, were eyeing the SCCL tender and the defamatory report was published to deter the Nalgonda minister.

Further, allegations were made that the Government did not issue field visit certificates to certain companies to prevent them from participating in the tender process. One of the tender conditions required participating firms to visit the site before submitting bids.

He alleged that reports accusing him of corruption were a deliberate attempt to target him due to his close association with former Chief Minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy. As I was a close associate of the late YS Rajasekhara Reddy, the newspaper published the story against me out of anger towards Rajasekhara Reddy, he said.

He warned that he would not remain silent if further attempts are made to malign officials, ministers, or the Government. Bhatti responded only to ensure that the people of the state knew the truth behind the report and added that he would soon present complete details and explain all aspects clearly.