Amaravati, July 31 (NationPress) In response to the Godavari-Banakacherla link project proposed by Andhra Pradesh, state minister Nara Lokesh questioned whether Telangana possesses regulatory committee approval for the Kaleshwaram project being constructed across the Godavari River.

He emphasized that the Andhra Pradesh government has never hindered the Kaleshwaram project and expressed surprise at the objections to the Banakacherla initiative, which aims to redirect the excess water of the Godavari that currently flows into the sea to the Rayalaseema region.

During a press conference, Lokesh, who serves as the Minister for Human Resources Development, Information Technology, and Real Time Governance, accused certain individuals of intentionally fostering regional tensions for political gain.

“We are redirecting river water that comes to Andhra Pradesh after passing through Telangana. I am perplexed by the objections. Why was the Kaleshwaram project built? Do you have the necessary regulatory committee approval?” he questioned.

Lokesh stated that Andhra Pradesh has never obstructed investments directed towards Telangana.

“Have we ever written to the Centre to deny any support to Telangana?” he referenced, alluding to letters from the Telangana government urging the Centre not to endorse the Banakacherla project.

The TDP leader asserted that the Banakacherla project is being developed on Andhra Pradesh's territory.

“You cannot enforce one policy for Telangana and another for Andhra Pradesh. Are we depriving Telangana of its water? We seek a dialogue regarding Banakacherla. The interlinking of rivers is crucial. Conflicts arise over water. We are not appropriating anyone's water,” he remarked.

Lokesh asserted that the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has neither acted against Telangana nor will it do so in the future.

“TDP is a party founded for the Telugu people. We hope all Telugu people, wherever they reside, can coexist peacefully,” he added.

Responding to inquiries about whether former Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy would face arrest in the liquor scam case, Lokesh stated, “The law will take its own course.”

When questioned about the significant cash seizure by the SIT investigating the liquor scam, Lokesh asserted that Jagan possesses all the relevant information regarding the monetary exchanges involved.

He claimed that evidence exists showing that funds linked to the liquor scam were transferred not only in cash but also via cheques.

“Is there any liquor company in India that purchases gold worth ₹400 crore? They have demonstrated that investments can be made using scam money. This exemplifies the criminalization of politics,” he stated.

Lokesh alleged that funds from Adan Distillery were transferred to PLR company, and subsequently to Jagan.

In response to Jagan's claims of an emergency-like situation in the state, the TDP leader questioned, “Would Jagan be freely moving around if such a situation truly existed?”

He noted Jagan's helicopter travels, asserting that the government provides him with full security.