Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh was embroiled in a Twitter spat on Tuesday as he lashed out at the ruling BJP at the Centre.
Specifically naming BJP spokesperson GVL Narasimha Rao, Lokesh said, "May I ask who is GVL to tell Utilisation Certificates (UCs) submitted by AP are incorrect? Concerned departments have to raise questions if they are in improper form. All UCs for nearly Rs. 1000 crore spent on Backward Districts have been submitted and approved.”
Lokesh was responding to allegations by Rao that the State government failed to submitting UCs for Rs 2,500 crore that was sanctioned for the development of Amaravati, by the Centre.
"No funds were released for Amaravati drainage works. Rs. 460 crore and Rs. 540 crore was given to Vijayawada and Guntur respectively. UCs for Rs.349 Cr have been submitted for the work completed until now, pending work in both cities will be finished by next year," Lokesh stated.
"Until now, the Centre has given Rs. 1,500 cr to Amaravati. UCs of up to Rs. 1583 cr have been submitted and accepted. I request GVL to share details of his ‘imaginary projects’ for which Rs. 8,962 cr was given or accept that he is lying through his teeth," the Andhra Minister added.
Lokesh also pointed out that the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) had pointed out several discrepancies along with non-submission of UCs, adding, "Could the BJP first respond on CAG questions posed to Central government?"
"Submissions and approval of UCs are administrative procedures that involve central and state government employees. But BJP wants to politicize it and portray that AP is misusing funds to tarnish Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu's image. By the way, one does not need UCs to deliver on the promise of Special Status to AP," Lokesh concluded.
May I ask who is GVL to tell UCs submitted by AP are incorrect? Concerned departments have to raise questions if they are in improper form. FYI, all UCs for nearly Rs. 1000 crore spent on Backward Districts have been submitted & approved.
— Lokesh Nara (@naralokesh) June 4, 2018
Until now, the Centre has given Rs. 1500 Cr to Amaravati. UCs of up to Rs. 1583 Cr have been submitted and accepted. I request GVL to share details of his ‘imaginary projects’ for which Rs. 8962 Cr was given or accept that he is lying through his teeth.
— Lokesh Nara (@naralokesh) June 4, 2018
Submissions & approval of UCs are administrative procedures that involve Central & State Govt employees. But BJP wants to politicize it and portray that AP is misusing funds to tarnish @ncbn’s image. BTW, one does not need UCs to deliver on the promise of Special Status to AP.
— Lokesh Nara (@naralokesh) June 4, 2018
Hitting back at Lokesh's tweets, GVL Narasimha Rao said that the IT Minister, who is also the chief minister's son, was displaying 'dynastic arrogance'.
"Dear Nara Lokesh Any common man can ask questions of a government. Don't exhibit dynastic arrogance of Congress President Rahul Gandhi. For utilised funds, UCs must be honest, not fake. I dare you to tell people in your 'Nava Vanchana Deekshas' what works you have done. Your fake claims will be exposed," Rao tweeted.
Dear @naralokesh Any common man can ask questions of a govt. Don't exhibit dynastic arrogance of @RahulGandhi. For utilised funds, UCs must be honest, not fake. I dare you to tell people in your "Naya Vanchana Deekshas" what works you have done. Your fake claims will be exposed. https://t.co/3fllQ2FAPN
— GVL Narasimha Rao (@GVLNRAO) June 5, 2018
The TDP quit the BJP-led NDA earlier this year, for its refusal to fulfil the commitment on special category status to Andhra Pradesh.