However, Krishna Rao clarified that his complaint was not meant to malign the officer but to ensure accountability.
Published Oct 24, 2025 | 3:33 PM ⚊ Updated Oct 24, 2025 | 3:33 PM
Jupally Krishna Rao .
Synopsis: Telangana Minister Jupally Krishna Rao defended his complaint with the Chief Secretary against senior IAS officer SAM Rizvi, over the delay in calling tenders for holograms used on liquor bottles. Krishna Rao said officials, particularly Rizvi, who headed the committee formed to invite Expressions of Interest for adopting advanced hologram technology failed to act.
Telangana Prohibition and Excise Minister Jupally Krishna Rao defended lodging a complaint with the Chief Secretary against senior IAS officer SAM Rizvi, over the delay in calling tenders for holograms used on liquor bottles.
Speaking to reporters after the Cabinet meeting on Thursday, 23 October, Krishna Rao said his actions were propelled by a commitment to transparency, accountability, and technological modernisation in the Excise Department — dismissing speculation of any personal motives.
The controversy revolves around the prolonged delay in launching a transparent tender process for holograms, which are essential to verify the authenticity of liquor bottles and curb illegal trade.
Krishna Rao explained that the original contract for hologram production was awarded to an agency on 21 August 2013. After the formation of the TRS (now BRS) government in 2014, the same agency continued under a renewed agreement from 1 July 2014 until 2019. However, between 2019 and 2023, no tenders were issued — the work was handed out on a nomination basis, bypassing competitive bidding.
“When I took charge of the Excise Department in 2023, I was surprised to learn that no tenders had been called for several years,” the minister said. “I immediately directed officials to start a fair and open bidding process.”
Despite his clear instructions, Krishna Rao said, officials failed to act, particularly Rizvi, who headed the committee formed to invite Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for adopting advanced hologram technology.
On 13 August 2024, Krishna Rao formally complained to the Chief Secretary, followed by written reminders on 27 September, 17 October and 9 December, urging early action. “My only concern was to expedite the process in the interest of the government and the public,” he said.
According to him, the committee had received 23 applications in response to the EOI, yet no progress was made. Frustrated by the inaction, he wrote another letter to the Chief Secretary on 11 October 2024, accusing Rizvi of negligence and creating hurdles in implementing government initiatives.
Krishna Rao clarified that his complaint was not meant to malign the officer but to ensure accountability. “I only asked why there was such an inordinate delay when the measures were intended to improve transparency and efficiency,” he said.
Addressing reports about Rizvi’s Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) application, Krishna Rao said he had specifically requested the Chief Secretary not to accept it.
“I wanted Rizvi to stay on and resolve the pending issues, including the hologram tender,” he said, emphasising that his move was about ensuring responsibility, not forcing the officer out. He left the government service because he had a ₹10 lakh per month pay offer from AIG Hospitals.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil.)
