Telangana Minister Jupally Krishna Rao Accuses BRS MLA of Double Standards on Irrigation Projects
In a sharp political confrontation, Telangana's Excise and Tourism Minister Jupally Krishna Rao on Friday accused former minister and BRS MLA T Harish Rao of adopting double standards regarding irrigation projects in the Palamuru region of Mahbubnagar district. The minister issued a direct challenge for an open debate on the matter, intensifying the ongoing political tussle over water resources and development in the state.
Minister Points to Previous BRS Government Orders
Addressing the media at the Congress Legislature Party office in Hyderabad, Minister Jupally sought to remind Harish Rao that the previous BRS government itself had issued government orders for projects like the Gollapalli reservoir. He alleged that the BRS is now opposing these same projects for political gain, creating confusion among the public.
The minister posed a pointed question: "In 2016, the previous BRS government sanctioned Rs 4,177 crore for reservoir works and later proposed 27 reservoirs, including Gollapalli, in 2019. Were these projects taken up for public benefit or financial gain by the previous BRS government?"
Jupally emphasized that BRS leaders should stop misleading the people about the history and status of these irrigation initiatives.
Disputing Claims of Project Completion
The minister strongly dismissed claims that 80% of the Palamuru-Rangareddy lift irrigation project had been completed. He detailed that key components such as canals, land acquisition, and administrative approvals remain substantially incomplete.
"No substantial irrigation benefits reached farmers despite the previous government's claims," alleged Minister Jupally. He further criticized the BRS administration for failing to secure a fair share of Krishna River waters for Telangana, which he said has hampered agricultural development in the region.
Allegations of Contractor Benefits and Incomplete Works
In his media briefing, Minister Jupally made serious allegations that irrigation projects under the previous government were used primarily to benefit contractors rather than farmers. He pointed to several works, including those under the Kalwakurthy project, that remain incomplete despite significant expenditure over the past decade.
The minister contrasted this with the current Congress government's approach, stating: "The Congress government is committed to completing projects transparently and in the genuine interest of farmers." He promised that the new administration would prioritize agricultural welfare over political or financial gains.
Political Context and Regional Implications
The Palamuru region has long been a focal point in Telangana's irrigation politics, with successive governments making promises about water distribution and agricultural development. Minister Jupally's accusations come amid ongoing debates about resource allocation and project implementation across the state.
This public challenge for a debate represents an escalation in political rhetoric between the ruling Congress party and the opposition BRS. The irrigation sector remains a critical battleground in Telangana politics, with farmers' welfare often at the center of these disputes.
The minister's statements highlight the complex interplay between infrastructure development, political accountability, and agricultural needs in one of India's most politically active states.
