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Telangana minister blames Congress for decline of state coal company

A senior Telangana minister has accused the Indian National Congress of weakening the South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SCCL), one of India's major coal producers. The allegation marks the latest political exchange over management of the state-owned enterprise.

LSN India · 14 October 2026

Telangana minister blames Congress for decline of state coal company

K.T. Rama Rao, a prominent minister in the Telangana government, has leveled charges against the Congress party, asserting that its policies and approach have contributed to the deterioration of SCCL's operational performance and financial standing. The South Eastern Coalfields Limited, headquartered in Chhattisgarh, plays a critical role in India's coal supply chain and has historically been significant for the region's economy.

Rao's remarks reflect ongoing political tensions between the ruling Telangana administration and the opposition Congress party over stewardship of major public sector undertakings in the region. The state coal company has faced operational challenges in recent years, including production targets and efficiency concerns that have drawn scrutiny from multiple quarters.

The minister's accusations suggest deeper disputes within state politics regarding resource management and industrial policy. Congress's handling of SCCL during periods of its governance has become a flashpoint in discussions about the company's current state and future direction.

SCCL remains one of India's largest coal-producing entities under the Ministry of Coal, supplying fuel to thermal power plants across the nation. Its performance metrics have attracted attention from central government agencies and state administrations alike, making it a recurring subject in political discourse across South India.