Naidu slams reverse tender process in Guntur

Guntur: TDP Chief N Chandrababu Naidu here on Friday said there is no ground and necessity for pre-closure of the present contracts and re-tendering the works, particularly in view of satisfactory progress of the work by the existing contractors in Polavaram Project.

He was addressing a media conference at his residence at Undavalli on Friday. He said it is difficult to attribute any particular defect in the ongoing works. He said this will create unforeseen complications. Who gave permission to the government to call re-tenders for Polavaram project. Who will be held responsible for project safety and security, he asked.

He questioned why the government is finalising the bid price first and alleged that norms were changed to benefit companies favourable to the Chief Minister. He expressed his opposition to reverse tendering system and termed it as registered tendering system, because tenders would be given to the construction companies favourable to the Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy. He said that because of re-tendering system, there would be more loss than saving.

He said, "There is no guarantee that new companies will come forward to take up work at less cost. Those committed to protect interests of the State should not stop Polavaram Project works."

He criticised Jagn Mohan Reddy for taking decisions as per suggestions given by his engineer Peter. He said Polavaram project is a unique project in the world. He recalled that they have designed biggest spill gates in the world.