In a change in strategy, BRS Working President and MLA Kalvakuntla Taraka Rama Rao (KTR), who said Arvind Kumar executed his orders on Formula E Agreement, passed the blame to officials and department in the latest counter filed in court.
In his reply affidavit filed in the Telangana High Court, KTR has distanced himself from the allegations of procedural lapses and financial irregularities in the Formula E payments case. KTR asserted that the responsibility for procedural compliance rested solely with the concerned officials in the department and that he had no role in such matters.
“The Petitioner is not expected to deal with the procedural requirements; the same is the lookout of the persons concerned in the department,” KTR stated in his affidavit.
He further emphasized, “At any rate, it is for the concerned department to obtain approvals, if any, and the petitioner is no way concerned with the same being a Minister for MA&UD.”
KTR stressed that with the Model Code of Conduct coming into force on October 9, 2023, he became functus officio and was no longer involved in departmental decisions. “The petitioner is no way concerned with the alleged irregularities, if any,” he asserted.
Addressing allegations regarding procedural compliance in agreements, KTR noted, “At any rate, the procedural aspects required to be looked after by the concerned officers, and the petitioner has no role in that regard. The allegation regarding the preparation of agreement not being in conformity with Article 299 is concerned, it is for the parties to the agreement while executing the agreement to take steps for compliance of procedural requirements, if any.”
KTR also denied allegations under Section 409 of the IPC, stating, “The allegation that public servants, including the petitioner, seem to have dishonestly and fraudulently misappropriated the property of the Government entrusted to them, which constitutes an offence under Section 409 of IPC, is not correct. The allegation is baseless and invented only to defame the petitioner.”
He claimed that payments to the Formula E organizers were made pursuant to an agreement, and the second respondent, being a responsible officer, was aware of this.
“The 2nd respondent made a false and baseless allegation that the petitioner and other public servants misappropriated money A,” KTR stated.
KTR reiterated that after approving the file as a minister, it was the responsibility of the concerned department to take the necessary steps to implement the decision, including procedural compliance.
“The compliance of secretariat business rules is the concern and responsibility of the concerned department officials, including procedural compliance, if any. The petitioner, being a Minister, cannot be fastened with any liability for procedural violations,” he emphasized.
He concluded that “the alleged procedural irregularities will not lead to an inference of misappropriation of amounts and commission of the offences alleged.”
The affidavit clearly places the burden of procedural compliance on departmental officials, with KTR denying any involvement in the alleged irregularities. The matter remains under judicial scrutiny as the Telangana High Court continues its hearings.
