Chandrababu Naidu: Deals with SECI can't be scrapped without proof

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has stated that the state government cannot annul power purchase agreements with the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) without solid evidence to substantiate bribery allegations.

The chief minister’s remarks carry weight against the backdrop of allegations that Adani was implicated by the US Department of Justice in a purported multi-year scheme involving $250 million in bribes to Indian officials. These payments were allegedly made to secure favourable solar power contracts, including from Andhra Pradesh. The Indian conglomerate has categorically denied these claims.

The previous YSRCP government in Andhra Pradesh has been accused of involvement in the alleged scam, with claims that state officials accepted bribes amounting to ₹1,750 crore from the Adani Group.

'I don't indulge in vendetta politics,' says Naidu

"We are obtaining proper documentation, and once we have that, we will take action (if any corruption is involved). Cancelling the MoUs immediately may lead to legal complications and unnecessary issues," Naidu told reporters during an informal interaction on Wednesday at the TDP headquarters in Mangalagiri.

His remarks followed a recent decision by Andhra Pradesh Power Distribution Companies to procure over 4,000 million units of power from SECI in the upcoming fiscal year, as part of a total agreement for 17,000 MU.

Responding to questions about his perceived inaction against individuals linked to the scandal, the chief minister emphasised the importance of concrete evidence before taking action. "I never indulge in political vendettas. However, I will not spare wrongdoers. Regardless of their stature, the culprits should be brought to justice," he asserted.

Naidu added that the SECI agreement to purchase power from the Adani Group was beneficial for Andhra Pradesh and reiterated that any action would only follow a comprehensive evaluation of the allegations.

The YSR Congress Party dismissed the bribery allegations, asserting that the agreement involved the state government, Discoms, and SECI—a central government organisation—with no third-party interference.

Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Y. S. Sharmila recently accused the previous YSRCP government of entering a 25-year agreement with the Adani Group to purchase power at ₹2.49 per unit. She claimed the same Gujarat-based company supplies power at ₹1.99 per unit in its home state, imposing an additional ₹1 lakh crore burden on Andhra Pradesh’s citizens.