Will KCR Testify Before the Ghose Commission on June 11?

Synopsis
In a significant development, K. Chandrasekhar Rao, former Chief Minister of Telangana, is scheduled to testify before the Justice PC Ghose Commission on June 11. The Commission is investigating alleged irregularities in the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation project. This event could have major implications for the political landscape in Telangana.
Key Takeaways
- KCR's appearance before the Commission is a key moment for Telangana politics.
- Investigations are focusing on potential irregularities in the Kaleshwaram project.
- The Commission has already questioned over 100 engineers and officials.
- KCR's testimony could influence public perception of the BRS government.
- The Commission's findings may have significant political implications.
Hyderabad, June 2 (NationPress) Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) President and former Chief Minister of Telangana, K. Chandrasekhar Rao, is set to testify before Justice PC Ghose Commission on June 11 regarding alleged irregularities in the implementation of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation project.
KCR, as he is widely known, was initially scheduled to appear on June 5; however, he requested a rescheduling, leading the Commission to adjust the date.
Notices were issued to KCR, former minister T. Harish Rao, and BJP MP Eatala Rajender on May 20. Harish Rao is required to appear on June 6, while Rajender's appearance is set for June 9.
During KCR's tenure as Chief Minister, Harish Rao served as Irrigation Minister, and Rajender held the position of Finance Minister.
The Commission, led by retired Supreme Court Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose, is investigating allegations of irregularities in the planning, design, construction, quality control, operation, and maintenance of the Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla Barrages within the Kaleshwaram project.
Formed in March 2024, the one-man Commission was established following the collapse of several piers at the Medigadda Barrage.
It has had its term extended multiple times, totaling seven extensions, after its original term expired on June 30, 2024. The notices to KCR, Harish Rao, and Rajender were issued shortly after the state government extended the Commission's term by two months until July 31 to allow for a comprehensive examination.
To date, the Commission has questioned over 100 engineers and officials, both current and retired, associated with the barrages. Many of these engineers either acknowledged procedural lapses or claimed ignorance regarding the decision-making processes.
The investigation has reviewed various documents, including the final report from the National Dam Safety Authority and a Vigilance report.
Although the Commission aimed to submit its findings on May 21 or 22, it opted to question KCR, Harish Rao, and Rajender since most engineers and officials indicated that decisions were made in the presence of the former Chief Minister, acting under his and his ministers' directives.
The BRS has accused the Congress government of attempting to deflect attention from its own corruption and failures with the notice issued to KCR.