The latest IT notices to senior Congress leader and Sonia Gandhi’s close confidant Ahmed Patel are sending shivers through the spine of the TDP establishment, especially its boss Chandrababu Naidu, say highly placed sources. The main fear is that these investigations could uncover the sordid undercover conspiracy of Chandrababu Naidu, who reportedly funded the Congress campaign to defeat the BJP in the general elections.
Even during the time of elections, there were widespread allegations that Chandrababu had provided funds tothe Congress Party in the assembly elections in five states, including Rajasthan and MP. It was rumoured that the money was given to Ahmed Patel. In this connection, the IT sleuths served a notice on Ahmed Patel on February 14. However, Patel absented himself citing health reasons. Now, fresh notices have been issued to him again.
It may be recalled that the IT sleuths have identified that a “prominent political leader” of Andhra Pradesh took Rs 150 crore as kickbacks for awarding contracts to a Mumbai-based infra company. The works were related to the constructions in Amaravati. The IT had on November 11 issued a press note saying that an important politician had got the amount. Most people believe that the person in question could be Chandrababu. No wonder the people are asking if the noose is tightening around Chandrababu’s neck.