Finance Minister Payyavula warns officials over Rushikonda contractor payments

Finance Minister Payyavula Keshav expressed strong displeasure with finance department officials over payments made to a contractor involved in construction work at Rushikonda hill, Visakhapatnam, during the previous YSR Congress government.

He questioned why the payments were processed despite his prior instructions against it. During a review meeting, Keshav lashed out at senior officials, demanding an explanation. However, officials clarified that the payments were for other works executed by the same company, not for the Rushikonda hilltop palace project.

Despite this clarification, the minister questioned why any payments were made and ordered a detailed report specifying the nature of the works, the amount paid, and whether any recommendations influenced the decision. Expressing his impatience, Keshav reminded officials that he had already issued instructions earlier and was frustrated that they were ignored.

He made it clear that no further payments would be made to the contractor and warned officials of serious consequences if any bills were cleared without the approval of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu or himself.