In Adani indictment shadow, Jagan suffers another jolt—TDP’s Nara Lokesh says there is no Leader of Opposition in Andhra Pradesh

“Currently, Lokayukta takes into information LoP arsenic 1 of its 5 members, but is soundless astir the lack of an LoP. An amendment has been passed which states that successful the lack of LoP, the different 4 members tin conscionable and decide,” helium said.

According to the indictment, Adani “personally met with Foreign Official 1 successful Andhra Pradesh to beforehand the execution of PSA (power proviso agreements) betwixt SECI (Solar Energy Corporation of India) and AP’s authorities energy organisation companies, including connected oregon astir August 7, 2021, connected oregon astir September 12, 2021 and connected oregon astir November 20, 2021”. The “Foreign Official 1”, according to the indictment, “had served arsenic a high-ranking authorities authoritative of Andhra Pradesh from May 2019 to June 2024”.

While the indictment does not sanction Foreign Officer 1, a filing by the Security Exchanges Commission filing does accidental that successful August 2021, Adani “met personally with the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh…” Between May 2019 and June 2024, Jagan Mohan Reddy was the main minister.

After introducing a Bill to amend the Lokayukta Act successful the Legislative Council, Naidu said a caller ambiance has emerged successful the authorities aft the 2024 elections. “Earlier, the Chief Minister was the Chairman of the Lokayukta, and the Speaker of the Assembly, the Home Minister oregon immoderate different Cabinet Minister, the Leader of Opposition and the Chairman of the Legislative Council were members. Now, since determination is nary Leader of Opposition successful the Assembly, the Lokayukta committee volition dwell of 4 different members. The contiguous amendment is being introduced with respect to the assignment of the Chairman,” Naidu said portion introducing the Bill connected the creation of the Lokayukta Members Selection Committee.

Stating that successful general, either a retired Chief Justice of the High Court oregon a retired justice from the High Court heads the Lokayukta arsenic president portion the Upalokayukta is headed by a retired territory judge, the IT Minister told the Upper House that the amendment is being brought to behaviour Lokayukta proceedings without an LoP.

Making it wide that each the members of some the Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council are partners successful a democracy, Naidu said the radical decided who should beryllium where. “We were sitting successful the Opposition earlier and present assumed powerfulness aft the people’s verdict. We person a ineffable work and we volition surely instrumentality the tone of Lokayukta forward,” Naidu said.