GVMC Commissioner’s transfer sparks controversyIt is alleged that he signed on several critical files

A storm of controversy has erupted over the decisions made by CM Saikanth Varma, who was recently transferred while serving as the GVMC Commissioner. Following his transfer orders, rumours have surfaced alleging that he signed on several critical files, with officials claiming that Rs 6 crore was paid to contractors in the Public Health Department and Rs 12 crore to the contractors in the Engineering Department.
Saikanth Varma, who took charge as GVMC Commissioner in April last year, was unexpectedly reassigned by the government to serve as TIDCO MD on July 9. This abrupt move came as a shock to Saikanth Varma, who had been confident of his continued tenure. The transfer has since sparked significant publicity within GVMC regarding decisions on several important pending files. Most notably, the issue of paying contractors Rs 18 crore had been pending for the past three weeks. These payments were initially delayed on the grounds that funds in the GVMC account were needed for urgent work and daily expenses. However, on the very day of his transfer, Saikanth Varma approved the payment of these bills, directing Rs. 6 crore to the Health Department and Rs 12 crore to the Engineering Department.
Reports indicate that Saikanth Varma imposed a condition on contractors and officers of the Audit and Accounts Department to keep the bill payments confidential. When the payments came to light, the audit department brought the issue to the attention of superior officer Abbey, who denied any such transactions, claiming that the Commissioner had settled the bills less than three weeks ago. The audit officer was compelled to remain silent when other GVMC officers questioned why funds were withdrawn from the bank on Thursday and Friday if the bills had indeed reached contractors’ accounts less than three weeks ago.
Suspicions are now rising that additional files may have been signed. In the midst of this turmoil, GVMC officials are alleging that Saikanth Varma acted in favour of YCP during his tenure. As an IAS officer, he is expected to uphold modesty and integrity, but critics accuse him of succumbing to YCP leaders’ temptations to secure praise and retain his position. Jana Sena and TDP leaders allege that despite being aware of loopholes in projects recommended by YCP leaders, Saikanth Varma kept plan applications pending in his Login for days without rejecting them, thereby allowing them to be approved by default and facilitating the projects without technical difficulties.
In response to these allegations, Saikanth Varma wrote a letter to the DTCP in Amaravati, requesting the return of 16 files that were deemed approved, citing loopholes and the need for additional documents. Notably, his transfer was executed on the same day. As the controversy deepens, the actions and decisions of Saikanth Varma continue to be scrutinised.
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