Andhra Pradesh roads and buildings minister Dharmana Prasada Rao, who resigned after his name figured in a CBI chargesheet in a corruption case, today expressed confidence that he would come out clean.
He said he gave a detailed clarification to Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy last night on the charges made against him in the chargesheet in the Vanpic project land allotment issue.
He quit his post on August 14 after being named in the chargesheet and his resignation has been pending till then.
Rao said the chief minister has sought his views on the allegations against him and that he has submitted the same last night. It is for the chief minister to take a call on the resignation.
Asserting that he did no wrong as revenue minister in the late Y S Rajasekhara Reddy cabinet, he said no minister can make any land allotment in Andhra Pradesh without cabinet approval.
“In Andhra Pradesh, any minister or even the chief minister does not have the power to make land allocations without cabinet approval to any person or organisation for public interest or to any government department as per procedures. If I had made any land allotment, it was only through the cabinet and I don’t have powers as revenue minister,” he said.
“I reiterate that I did no wrong as a minister. I am fully confident that it will be proved as per law. I will continue my efforts and use all opportunities to get such justice,” he said.
Replying to a query, he said there is nothing wrong in the state government conducting a study or review by an expert to determine the future course of action over land allotment issues as sought by some leaders.
Referring to some opposition parties describing him as “tainted”, Rao said he cannot be held guilty until and unless convicted by a court of law.