Since the YSRCP led Government assumed power in the state of Andhra Pradesh, none have been charged with corruption allegations as much as the Andhra Endowments Minister Vellampalli Srinivas. Recently, on Thursday the Anti-Corruption Bureau officials conducted sudden raids on the Durga Temple located atop the Indrakiladri hill. Around four teams of the ACB personnel inspected various departments of the holy shrine. These events have now led to speculations that trouble is brewing for Andhra Endowments Minister Vellampalli Srinivas and that he might be sacked from the ministry.
Having won 2009 elections
Vellampalli Srinivas who had been overlooking the Western Constituency in Vijayawada, won having contested from the YSRCP in the previous general elections. Prior to that in 2009 elections though he won on behalf of the Praja Rajyam Party, he didn’t get the elevation. Later in 2014, Vellampalli pledged his alliance to the BJP from Western Constituency in Vijayawada and lost to the YSRCP, this led him to change his intentions and join the YSRCP. It was then that with the wave of YS Jagan even Vellampalli emerged victorious in the 2019 general elections. Also, with no other leaders from his community, the legislator managed to bag the post of Endowments Minister in the YS Jagan Cabinet.
As AP Endowments Minister
Having assumed charge as the AP Endowments Minister Vellampalli managed to appoint his close associate as the EO of the Durga Temple. Later several incidents took place post-Vellampalli having taken charge as the Minister, especially the silver lions being stolen from the chariot. However, what shocked everyone was the apathy of the minister taking it for granted. Even to this day, a proper investigation hasn’t been ordered in the case and not even a single culprit has been nabbed. Meanwhile, the spate of vandalism incidents happening in various temples throughout the state led to Vellampalli face severe criticism. Talks among political circles are that the minister’s behaviour has also pulled the party into jeopardy.
ACB raids to target Vellampalli?
It is learnt that the raids on Indrakiladri by the ACB is an attempt to target the Endowments Minister Vellampalli Srinivas. As per insider talks, it is said that top leaders among the party might’ve given their consent for the raids to be held. Following the news about the raids, the Opposition began targeting Vellampalli by putting up a list of his alleged corrupt practices.
