In a sharp attack on the ruling Congress, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president KT Rama Rao on Monday accused the state government of intentionally neglecting the crucial Palamuru–Rangareddy Lift Irrigation Scheme (PRLIS). He alleged that Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy stalled the project primarily to prevent former CM K Chandrasekhar Rao from receiving credit for its completion.
Political Motive Behind Project Stall
Addressing the media on the premises of the legislative assembly, KTR claimed the Chief Minister's actions were driven by political apprehension. He asserted that Revanth Reddy feared the successful completion of PRLIS would bolster the legacy of his predecessor, K Chandrasekhar Rao. Furthermore, KTR added another layer to the allegation, stating the stall was also an attempt to appease Revanth Reddy's "old boss" and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, N Chandrababu Naidu.
Drawing a contrast in governance styles, KTR highlighted the swift execution of the Kaleshwaram lift irrigation project under KCR's administration. "Kaleshwaram stands as a testimony to KCR's dedication," he declared. He pointed out that while the Polavaram project has been discussed for over seven decades and remains incomplete, Kaleshwaram was delivered due to unwavering political commitment.
Dispute Over Water Allocations and Project Justification
Delving into the technicalities of the PRLIS controversy, the BRS leader criticized the current government's stance on water allocation. He stated that accepting a mere 45 thousand million cubic feet (tmc ft) for the project would be highly detrimental to the region's needs. KTR reminded that the earlier Congress government had agreed to a significantly higher allocation of 299 tmc ft from the Krishna river. Based on that understanding, the previous BRS government had approached the Centre for enhanced allocations.
KTR also addressed the common practice surrounding irrigation projects. He explained that it is standard for any government to initially propose such projects under the banner of drinking water needs, subsequently obtaining the necessary statutory approvals. He noted that this operational reality is seldom openly acknowledged.
Countering Allegations on Phone Tapping and SIT Probes
Shifting focus to other contentious issues, KTR responded to allegations of phone tapping during the previous BRS regime. He defended the use of intelligence systems, stating they have existed since the Nehru era and are essential for maintaining law and order and state security. "Can anyone honestly claim that surveillance mechanisms do not exist today?" he questioned rhetorically.
He directly challenged Chief Minister Revanth Reddy to categorically state that the phones of opposition leaders are not being monitored currently. If the allegations against the previous government were baseless, KTR asked why concerned officials were not holding press conferences to clarify the matter.
KTR launched a broader critique against the Congress government's approach, accusing it of using Special Investigation Teams (SITs), inquiries, and cases as tools for political distraction. "What was achieved through so many investigations? Was even one allegation conclusively proven?" he asked, asserting that the public can see through these tactics.
Concluding his remarks, KTR expressed confidence in the public's discernment. "Even if investigations are carried out endlessly, the state will only suffer — politically, we will not. People know very well who ensured water for Telangana," he stated, framing the debate as one of tangible development versus political vendetta.
