BJP MP Raghunandan Rao Alleges Rs 200 Crore Solar Scam in Telangana

BJP MP M Raghunandan Rao on Tuesday alleged a massive Rs 200 crore solar scam in Telangana under the Centre's rooftop solar scheme and lodged a formal complaint seeking a high-level probe. Speaking in Hyderabad, the parliamentarian confirmed he had submitted a written complaint to Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi, accusing the state Congress government of misusing central subsidies and duping the public.

In his statement, Raghunandan Rao claimed that the state government had identified around 40,000 households for the installation of 2 kW rooftop solar systems under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, which was earlier discussed as the Har Ghar Bijli Mukth Yojana. The state government had promised free electricity up to 200 units as part of its election manifesto.

Explaining the alleged financial irregularities, Raghunandan Rao stated that the Central government provides a subsidy of Rs 30,000 per kW, amounting to Rs 60,000 for each 2 kW rooftop solar unit. However, he alleged that tenders were awarded at Rs 1.36 lakh per household, while the actual implementation was subcontracted out at just Rs 86,000 per home.

The MP questioned how Rs 50,000 was being siphoned off per household, stating that this discrepancy amounts to nearly Rs 200 crore across the 40,000 identified homes. He accused the state administration of diverting central funds and operating a sub-contracting racket while campaigning as if the state was funding the program. He urged that the state government must either acknowledge the irregularities or face a stoppage of central funds.