“No one is above the Law and that it will take its own course of action against those found guilty,” said Minister for Handlooms and Weavers P Shankar Rao referring to the alleged illegal wealth amassed by Kadapa leader and former MP YS Jaganmohan Reddy against which he had submitted a memorandum to the AP High Court.
The Minister fielded several questions from media persons at a press conference at the Secretariat on Tuesday in the wake of the admission of his memorandum by the High Court.
Dr Shankar Rao made it clear that he had entertained no grudge against anyone and that he moved the Court as an MLA in October / November 2010.
Asked whether he would seek punishment against Mr Jaganmohan Reddy for the alleged violations, the Minister maintained that the Kadapa leader was like his son and knew him from close quarters.
Asked whether his petition had strength, the Minister clarified that his plea was admitted which paved the way for issue of notices to CBI, APIIC and others.
A Division Bench of the High Court comprising Justice V Eeswariah and Justice V Suri Appa Rao also directed Dr Shankar Rao to file a sworn affidavit and listed the case for February 14.
Clarifying another question, the Minister was categorical on stating that the Gandhi clan gave rise to scores of leaders and having encashed their support and making a mark in life it was unreasonable to blame the Congress party and accuse it of sowing dissensions in his (Mr Jaganmohan Reddy’s) family which was part of the party for over 30 years.
It was also true that YSR had reaped the benefits from the party to the optimum level.
He was made CLP leader and chief minister twice under the High Command's directive, Dr Shankar Rao reminded.
The High Court, after hearing objections was convinced to admit his letter as writ petition WP 794 of 2011 on the grounds of existence of prima facie evidence and then posted it for further hearing which was like an opportunity given to Jaganmohan Reddy and his associates to prove their innocence.
Dr Shankar Rao had taken the bold initiative to move the High Court against Mr Jaganmohan Reddy for alleged amassing of wealth from the leases mining for iron ores in Obulapuram, Anantapur district and Khammam district and the misappropriations in the Emaar Properties, in collusion with APIIC, in Ranga Reddy district. The Minister had also appended some annexure containing information of disproportionate assets in Emaar Properties while misusing power during YSR's regime.