Should Telangana CM Apologize for Defaming Kaleshwaram?
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Synopsis
In a bold move, K.T. Rama Rao demands an apology from Telangana's CM for allegedly defaming the Kaleshwaram project while benefiting from it. He accuses the Congress government of financial misconduct and hypocrisy. The Kaleshwaram project, a massive irrigation initiative, is highlighted as a vital asset for Telangana's agricultural community.
Key Takeaways
- Kaleshwaram project is essential for Telangana's agriculture.
- Allegations of corruption and financial misconduct against the Congress government.
- Calls for accountability in the use of public funds.
- The project is vital for irrigation, supporting millions of farmers.
- Political hypocrisy in governance is a central theme in the ongoing debate.
Hyderabad, Sep 8 (NationPress) Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) Working President K.T. Rama Rao has made a bold call for Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and the Congress to extend an apology to the residents of the state for disseminating misleading information about the Kaleshwaram project, all while utilizing its waters for new initiatives.
During a press conference, he denounced the Congress government's conduct as "shameful and hypocritical", accusing them of embezzling public funds, colluding with blacklisted contractors, and betraying the agricultural community.
K.T. Rama Rao, commonly known as KTR, pointed out that the very Congress leaders who labeled Kaleshwaram as a failed initiative are now laying foundation stones for projects that rely entirely on its waters.
"They continue to disparage the project publicly while reaping its benefits. This is duplicity at its worst," he asserted.
The BRS leader further accused the Congress government of significantly inflating project costs to misappropriate public resources.
He noted that estimates formulated at Rs 1,100 crore during the BRS administration to transport Godavari water to Hyderabad from Kondapochamma Sagar have now ballooned to Rs 7,390 crore under the Revanth Reddy-led administration.
Additionally, the Musi beautification project, initially pegged at Rs 16,000 crore, has surged to an astonishing Rs 1.5 lakh crore, he added.
"These inflated figures are not indicative of progress. They represent commissions and contractor kickbacks. Revanth Reddy is scheming to protect his position as Chief Minister," KTR claimed.
The BRS leader expressed his concern that repairs to the Medigadda Barrage (part of Kaleshwaram) are being intentionally postponed to favor the Banakacharla project.
He reminded that Medigadda withstood floods of 12 lakh cusecs without collapsing, yet three piers remain unrepaired.
"Out of Rs 4,000 crore spent on Medigadda, a mere Rs 250 crore is needed for repairs. L&T has even offered to undertake the work at its own expense. Why is the government obstructing this? Where is the question of public funds being squandered? This is a conspiracy against Telangana's lifeline," he stated.
Reaffirming the significance and advantages of Kaleshwaram, KTR emphasized that the project is more than just a barrage or canal; it is a vast network comprising three barrages, 15 reservoirs, 19 substations, 21 pumping stations, 203 km of tunnels, 1,531 km of gravity canals, and 98 km of pressure mains, boasting a storage capacity of 141 thousand million cubic feet (TMC) and the capability to lift water to 530 meters above sea level.
"Kaleshwaram is recognized as the world's largest lift irrigation project. To date, 240 TMCs have been utilized, irrigating 20 lakh acres. No Chief Minister should belittle a project funded by the people by labeling it a failure. Revanth Reddy has tarnished Telangana's reputation," he stated.
The BRS Working President also criticized the Congress-led state government for granting multi-crore contracts to companies that have been blacklisted by both the Central government and the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB).
He noted that the same company responsible for failures in road and water projects has now been awarded contracts exceeding Rs 7,000 crore.
"Why is the Congress government favoring blacklisted firms? This is a blatant conspiracy to plunder Telangana's resources," he alleged.
He also urged the Assembly Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar to promptly disqualify defected MLAs, highlighting that even the Pradesh Congress Committee President and senior Congress leaders have acknowledged the defections.
"This (Congress) government thrives on deceit, hypocrisy, and corruption. Telangana deserves better," KTR concluded.
Point of View
It is imperative to report on the ongoing political discourse in Telangana with fairness. The allegations made by K.T. Rama Rao against the Chief Minister and the Congress party highlight a critical debate surrounding the Kaleshwaram project and its impact on the state's economy and agriculture. Such discussions are vital for transparency and accountability in governance.
NationPress
09/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What did K.T. Rama Rao accuse the Congress government of?
K.T. Rama Rao accused the Congress government of inflating project costs, misappropriating public funds, and collaborating with blacklisted contractors.
What is the Kaleshwaram project?
The Kaleshwaram project is the world's largest lift irrigation project, designed to support Telangana's agriculture by lifting water from the Godavari River.
How much was the initial cost estimate for the Godavari water project?
The initial cost estimate during the BRS regime for the Godavari water project was Rs 1,100 crore.
What is the current estimated cost of the project under the Congress government?
The current estimated cost under the Congress government has inflated to Rs 7,390 crore.
Why does K.T. Rama Rao want an apology from the CM?
He seeks an apology for defaming the Kaleshwaram project while simultaneously benefiting from its resources for new schemes.
