How is Telangana Congress Preparing to Respond to BRS's Attack in Assembly Over Water Issues?
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Synopsis
As the Telangana Assembly Winter Session resumes, the Congress party is gearing up for a critical showdown against the BRS over irrigation and water allocation issues. With accusations flying, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy is readying his team to counter claims and defend the government's initiatives. Will the Congress manage to uphold its position amidst rising tensions?
Key Takeaways
- Congress party is preparing for a serious debate in the Telangana Assembly.
- The focus is on irrigation projects and river water issues.
- Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has called for unity among party members.
- PowerPoint presentations will be used to convey critical information.
- The outcome of this debate could impact future water management policies.
Hyderabad, Jan 1 (NationPress) With the Winter Session of the Telangana Assembly resuming on Friday after a three-day hiatus, the ruling Congress party is preparing to face the Opposition Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) in discussions surrounding irrigation projects and river water issues.
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has instructed his Cabinet members and party lawmakers to be thoroughly prepared to defend their stance during the discussions.
The BRS is planning to criticize the Congress government for what they allege is a failure to complete irrigation projects and for compromising on Telangana's rightful allocation of water from the Godavari and Krishna rivers. In response, the Chief Minister has urged ministers and MLAs to arm themselves with information to counter these claims.
Ministers from every district have been especially advised to prepare for a robust defense against BRS critiques regarding irrigation initiatives.
A strategy meeting was previously convened by the Chief Minister with Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, and other key figures to devise a plan for the forthcoming debate.
In line with these preparations, Uttam Kumar Reddy is set to present a PowerPoint presentation during a meeting on Thursday evening, which will be attended by the Chief Minister, Pradesh Congress Committee president Mahesh Kumar Goud, and other Congress representatives.
The Irrigation Minister is expected to provide an in-depth overview of the current state of irrigation projects and interstate water disputes. He will also have irrigation engineers on hand to share vital information.
Reddy plans to emphasize the alleged neglect shown by the previous BRS administration regarding irrigation projects and its inability to safeguard the state’s interests.
He will address the ongoing water disputes with Andhra Pradesh and how the previous government failed to uphold agreements designed to protect Telangana’s interests.
The long-awaited Palamuru-Rangareddy lift irrigation project will be a focal point as BRS president and former Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) recently declared intentions to initiate a mass movement to unveil the Congress government’s purported failures in completing the project.
Uttam Kumar Reddy is also poised to deliver a PowerPoint presentation during the Assembly debate.
BRS leader and former Irrigation Minister T. Harish Rao has already sought permission from Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar for the BRS to also present a PowerPoint in the Assembly. The Speaker has indicated that he will consider this request.
A spirited debate is anticipated over irrigation projects and river water issues. It remains unclear whether KCR, who made a brief appearance on the first day, will participate in the debate.
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has challenged KCR to engage in a comprehensive discussion on all matters within the Assembly.
He asserts that the BRS leadership is misleading the public regarding irrigation projects in Palamuru (Mahabubnagar), Nalgonda, and Khammam districts.
Uttam Kumar Reddy has accused the past BRS government of disregarding the Palamuru-Rangareddy project while reallocating funds to the Kaleshwaram initiative.
In a statement made on Wednesday, he affirmed that the State government remains committed to safeguarding Telangana's allocated 968 TMC share from Godavari waters and ensuring the security of future irrigation developments.
He emphasized that the State government has enacted various proactive administrative and legal measures to vigorously defend the state's irrigation interests amid the ongoing interstate water dispute concerning Andhra Pradesh's proposed diversion of Godavari waters related to the Polavaram project expansions.
Reddy pointed out the controversy surrounding Andhra Pradesh's initial Polavaram-Banakacherla Link Project (PBLP), which has since been rebranded as the Polavaram-Nallamala Sagar Link Project (PNLP). These initiatives aim to divert up to 200 TMC of Godavari floodwaters into Andhra Pradesh.
"Telangana has consistently argued that these projects contravene the Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal (GWDT) Award of 1980, the CWC-TAC clearance granted for the Polavaram Irrigation project, the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act of 2014, and CWC guidelines. They exceed the originally sanctioned 80 TMC diversion to the Krishna basin and infringe upon unallocated floodwaters," Reddy stated.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the escalating tensions in Telangana's political landscape. The Congress party's proactive approach to countering BRS's assertions reflects a significant moment in state politics. This battle over irrigation and water rights not only affects local governance but also has broader implications for regional stability and resource management. With both parties presenting their cases, the electorate will be watching closely.
NationPress
07/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main issue being discussed in the Telangana Assembly?
The main issue revolves around irrigation projects and river water allocation, particularly related to the Godavari and Krishna rivers.
Who is leading the Congress party's defense in the Assembly?
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy is leading the Congress party's defense against the BRS's claims.
What are the allegations against the Congress government?
The BRS alleges that the Congress government has failed to complete irrigation projects and compromised on Telangana's water rights.
What is the significance of the Palamuru-Rangareddy project?
The Palamuru-Rangareddy lift irrigation project is a long-pending initiative that is central to the ongoing debate and accusations between the parties.
What actions is the Congress government taking to address the water disputes?
The Congress government is taking legal and administrative measures to protect Telangana's water allocations and address inter-state disputes.
