Former MLA Claims Minister Nara Lokesh Influenced TTD Tender Changes

In a press briefing, former MLA and YSRCP leader Bhumana Karunakar Reddy alleged that the recent amendment to TTD's tender eligibility was driven by Minister Nara Lokesh. The amendment reduced the required turnover for bidders from ₹ 100 crore to ₹ 25 crore, and further to ₹ 15 crore for specific categories. Reddy said a board member representing a prominent pharmaceutical firm had opposed the move, but the decision proceeded regardless. He warned that the relaxed criteria could jeopardise the quality of life‑saving medicines and high‑cost medical equipment, and accused the board of facilitating kickbacks.