Revanth, KCR trade sharp barbs

Revanth blames KCR for Kaleswaram failure, KCR faults Revanth on Rythu Bharosa, Hydraa, Musi

■   Revanth Reddy inspects Medigadda, orders time bound scientific repairs

■   Kaleshwaram project under scanner, corruption allegations intensify

■   Questions raised over T. Harish Rao Delhi visit, demand for transparency

■   Push for CBI probe grows as Centre’s silence draws criticism

metro india news  I hyderabad

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, accompanied by Ministers Uttam Kumar Reddy, D Sridhar Babu, NDSA Chairman Anil Jain conducted a comprehensive inspection of the Medigadda (Lakshmi) Barrage, a key structure of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project, reviewing the damaged piers and ongoing restoration works. He directed irrigation officials and engineers to ensure that every stage of the repair process is scientifically documented for future reference.

The Chief Minister examined drilling and soil testing operations involving around 500 bore samples and instructed officials to conduct a detailed analysis. Stressing timelines, he said repair designs and soil studies must be completed before the monsoon floods in the Godavari River. He also made it clear that all restoration works must strictly follow the norms of the National Dam Safety Authority, with no compromise on safety.

Calling Medigadda the backbone of the Kaleshwaram project, he asked officials to prepare a comprehensive plan to restore the barrage to full functionality. Irrigation Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy, along with senior engineers and experts, accompanied him during the visit.

Sharp attack on previous regime, demand for probe

Speaking to the media, Revanth Reddy strongly criticized the previous BRS government led by K. Chandrashekar Rao, alleging massive irregularities in the Kaleshwaram project. He recalled that as early as 1975, former Chief Minister Jalagam Vengala Rao had envisioned utilizing Godavari waters for North Telangana through an agreement with Maharashtra.

He noted that the Pranahita Chevella project, launched during Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy’s tenure in 2009 with an estimated cost of Rs 38,063 crore, was later redesigned by KCR under the Kaleshwaram project, escalating costs to nearly Rs 1.5 lakh crore. According to him, the Medigadda Barrage, built between 2016 and 2019, was showcased as a major achievement to gain political mileage, but its collapse in October 2023 exposed serious flaws.

He pointed out that the preliminary report of the National Dam Safety Authority submitted on November 1, 2023 had already raised concerns, which were allegedly ignored by the previous government. He also cited the findings of the P.C. Ghosh Committee and said the state has urged the Centre to order a CBI probe into the issue.

Questions over Harish Rao’s Delhi Visit

The Chief Minister raised serious questions over the recent Delhi visit of BRS leader T. Harish Rao, alleging that it was aimed at securing political protection from the BJP leadership in the wake of a possible investigation. He questioned whom Harish Rao met during his visit and demanded that details be made public.

Revanth Reddy alleged that despite media reports highlighting the visit, there has been no official clarification from either BRS or BJP leaders. He further criticized the Centre’s inaction, noting that even though Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy had earlier called for action against those responsible, no concrete steps have been taken so far.

Stating that the state government will not remain a silent spectator, the Chief Minister asserted that any attempt to use political influence to evade accountability will be resisted. He reiterated that those found guilty in the Kaleshwaram project irregularities will face strict action. Reiterating his government’s commitment, Revanth Reddy said both accountability and restoration will go hand in hand, ensuring that the project is repaired and public resources are protected while justice is delivered.

BRS President and former Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao launched a fierce tirade against the Congress government led by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy during the massive Praja Aashirvada Sabha held in Jagtial on Monday. Addressing a massive gathering, KCR accused the ruling dispensation of complete failure on every front, failing to deliver on its election promises, and plunging the state into financial distress, unemployment, and welfare neglect. He asserted that Congress had turned village panchayats into ruins and municipalities into centres of apathy, leaving students, workers, farmers, retired employees and the poor in deep suffering.

Scathing attack on HYDRAA and policy failures

KCR reserved his sharpest criticism for the HYDRAA system, describing it as a direct assault on poor families whose homes were being mercilessly demolished to favour real-estate interests. He vowed that on the very first day of a BRS government, the system would be scrapped. “With my first signature, HYDRAA will be thrown out,” he declared emphatically.

Contrasting this with the BRS era, KCR reminded the audience that 46,000 tanks were rejuvenated under Mission Kakatiya and not a single hut was demolished. He also slammed the Congress for weakening flagship schemes such as Mission Bhagiratha, which had ensured safe drinking water to every household, and for failing to provide uninterrupted 24-hour electricity despite the state’s 20,000 MW capacity. He also alleged that Musi Rejuvenation project, under which 15,000 houses are being targeted for demolition, was nothing but a real estate conspiracy.

The former Chief Minister accused the government of delaying Rythu Bandhu payments, neglecting Dalit Bandhu, and abandoning promises on pensions, scooters, and job calendars. He charged the administration with destroying the gains of the Telangana movement and aligning with anti-Telangana forces, recalling past injustices under Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, including electricity tariff hikes and the Basheerbagh firing incident that had galvanised the statehood struggle.

BRS revival, leadership boost and return to power pledge

KCR reiterated that the pink brigade remains the only authentic homegrown party of Telangana and pledged that BRS would return to power with a bumper majority to protect the interests of farmers, the poor, and the underprivileged. Recalling the sacrifices of the statehood movement, including migration from Palamuru and widespread hardships, he asserted that under ten years of BRS rule, Telangana had become a leading state with 24-hour power supply and drinking water in every home. 

He dismissed opponents’ remarks about his political demise with the fiery declaration: “Even if you take a thousand births, I will not die.” KCR expressed confidence that the party had lost the last election by a mere 1.7 per cent of votes and would now storm back to power.

The meeting witnessed a major boost to the party when senior leader T. Jeevan Reddy joined BRS. KCR personally draped the party scarf on him, highlighting their 45-year friendship and praising Jeevan Reddy’s courage and commitment. In a significant announcement, KCR appointed him as BRS General Secretary, tasking him with strengthening the party across Telangana, particularly in the Karimnagar region.

The Jagtial town turned into a sea of pink with enthusiastic crowds, signalling strong public support for BRS’s stand against Congress policies and renewed energy within the cadre. KCR assured that the party would restore all welfare and development schemes, safeguard the rights of the poor, and continue strengthening irrigation projects, promising justice for every section of society as long as he is alive.

Senior leader T. Jeevan Reddy, who resigned from Congress and joined BRS a few days ago, was draped with the pink scarf by KCR. Jeevan Reddy blamed 20-month discrimination and humiliation in Congress, reiterating the move was to serve Telangana, not for power. He credited KCR for creating Jagtial district, medical college, Bornapalli bridge, Gurukul schools and boosting tribal reservations.