Hyderabad, Sep 19 (NationPress) Criticizing the Congress administration in Karnataka for its decision to increase the height of the Almatti dam on the Krishna River, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president K.T. Rama Rao referred to this move as a “death sentence” for farmers in Telangana.

He harshly criticized Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy for “indulging in leisure” in Delhi while a ‘perilous plot’ was unfolding against the farmers of Telangana.

KTR highlighted that just three days prior, the Karnataka cabinet resolved to elevate Almatti's height from 519 feet to 524 feet. He contended that this action was not solely to secure an additional 100 TMC of water but part of a scheme to deny Telangana its fair share of Krishna waters, potentially transforming regions like Mahabubnagar, Nalgonda, and Rangareddy into barren lands.

“The Congress party holds power in both states. Do you lack the courage to voice your concerns or the fortitude to act when the lives of Telangana farmers are on the line?” he demanded, urging both Revanth Reddy and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to address the people of Telangana.

KTR asserted that national entities should possess a cohesive national policy. “Will you sacrifice the interests of Telangana's farmers for the benefit of Karnataka?” he questioned, warning that if this scheme is not thwarted promptly, BRS would mobilize a significant movement with the farmers.

He expressed regret that the Palamuru-Rangareddy Lift Irrigation Scheme—90 percent completed during KCR’s leadership—would become ineffective if the height of Almatti is increased. “Revanth, who claims to be a son of Palamuru, is quietly observing this calamity,” he criticized. He added that Jurala too would fail to fill without adequate Krishna inflows, noting that even Revanth’s own Narayanpet-Kodangal Lift Irrigation Scheme would be compromised.

KTR dismissed Congress’ corruption claims regarding Kaleshwaram by referencing the expenses related to Almatti. Karnataka itself acknowledged that a staggering Rs 70,000 crore is required just for land acquisition to raise Almatti by 5 feet and acquire 1.3 lakh acres. “If that’s the cost for merely 5 feet, what’s inappropriate about investing 93,000 crore for Kaleshwaram, which includes 3 barrages, 15 reservoirs, 19 substations, 21 pumping stations, 203 km of tunnels, and 1,700 km of canals to irrigate 40 lakh acres?” he inquired. He termed Kaleshwaram the lifeline, kalpavriksha, and kamadhenu of Telangana that redressed decades of injustice. The Congress’ accusations of Rs 1 lakh crore corruption, he asserted, were nothing but cheap, malicious propaganda.

KTR reminded everyone that the Almatti matter is currently under review by the Supreme Court. Back in 2013, undivided Andhra Pradesh filed a Special Leave Petition against the KWDT-II approval, obtaining a stay based on riparian rights. Following the formation of Telangana, KCR continued this battle, ensuring the stay remained in effect. “Why is the Karnataka Congress government making such a bold decision when the case is sub judice, and why is Telangana Congress silent?” KTR questioned.

He noted that even Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis acted promptly, vowing to approach the Supreme Court, while Revanth Reddy appeared to be ‘asleep’. He contrasted Revanth Reddy with KCR, who actively engaged with neighboring Chief Ministers, resolved objections, and completed Kaleshwaram. “Revanth lacks the sincerity to safeguard Telangana’s interests – this is the misfortune of our people,” he lamented.

KTR accused the Congress party of betraying Kaleshwaram waters to Andhra Pradesh and now attempting to hand over Krishna waters to Karnataka, thereby undermining Telangana’s rights over its essential resources. He declared that BRS would combat this unjust water theft both legally and through a grassroots movement involving farmers.