Jakkampudi Raja Alleges Chandrababu Avoiding CBI Probe To Protect Lokesh

The YSR Congress Party on Sunday reiterated its demand for a CBI probe into alleged irregularities in the Mega DSC-2025 teacher recruitment, and sought the resignation of Education Minister Nara Lokesh.

Addressing the media at the party's central office in Tadepalli, YSRCP youth wing president Jakkampudi Raja alleged that the coalition government was avoiding an independent investigation fearing that the alleged irregularities would come to light. He claimed that the government had no convincing answers to questions raised by former chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy over the recruitment process.

Raja alleged that the sports quota was misused to facilitate teacher appointments and claimed that audio recordings purportedly discussing the prices of jobs had surfaced. He also alleged that some candidates who had failed to meet the mandatory Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) requirement were appointed.

The YSRCP leader further claimed that qualified national-level sportspersons were denied opportunities, while candidates holding certificates from sports without the required recognition were allegedly considered for posts. He demanded an independent investigation to establish the facts.

Raja contrasted the controversy with the previous YSRCP government's recruitment through the village and ward secretariat system, claiming that large-scale appointments were made through a transparent recruitment process. He alleged that the TDP-led government was bringing up the Group-I recruitment issue to divert attention from the DSC allegations.

He said YSRCP chief Jagan had challenged the government to order a CBI investigation into both the DSC and Group-I issues, but alleged that the government backed away from the proposal.

Raja also referred to former chief minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy, claiming that he had sought a CBI probe when allegations involved his son. In contrast, Raja alleged that Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu was reluctant to seek a probe to protect his son Lokesh.

On the TTD laddu controversy, Raja claimed that the Supreme Court-directed CBI-led SIT investigation had raised questions over the ghee supplied to the temple, including alleged contamination involving palm oil, palm kernel oil and chemicals. He alleged that the experience was another reason for the government's reluctance to seek a CBI probe into the DSC allegations.

The claims made by Raja are allegations and would require verification by competent authorities.