Harish Rao Alleges Government Prioritising Politics Over Farmers
Former Telangana minister Harish Rao launched a scathing attack on the Revanth Reddy-led Congress government during a press conference held at Telangana Bhavan. He accused the state government of completely failing in the management of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project, Medigadda Barrage, Tummidihatti Project, and other irrigation initiatives.
Harish Rao alleged that instead of ensuring irrigation water reaches farmers during the crucial agricultural season, the government is giving greater importance to political considerations. He further claimed that Chief Minister Revanth Reddy lacks even basic understanding of the irrigation system and is attempting to mislead the people.
‘Godavari Water Going Waste Due to Government Negligence’
Harish Rao pointed out that despite lakhs of cusecs of water flowing in the Godavari River, the government has failed to operate the motors at the Kannepalli Pump House. According to him, this reflects the government’s negligence towards farmers.
He stated that there is sufficient water storage at Medigadda Barrage and that if the Kannepalli Pump House is activated immediately, nearly 3 TMC of water per day can be lifted and transferred to Yellampalli Reservoir. The government, he alleged, is placing political interests ahead of farmers’ needs.
Three-Month Challenge to the Government
Throwing an open challenge, Harish Rao said he would demonstrate how to successfully pump water to Yellampalli if he is entrusted with the Irrigation Department for just three months.
He declared that if he fails to achieve the results he claims, he would permanently retire from politics. Harish Rao asserted that only the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) has the capability to restore the Kaleshwaram project to full operational capacity.
BRS Secured All Permissions, Says Harish Rao
Harish Rao recalled that it was the previous BRS government that obtained all the necessary clearances to utilise 240 TMC of water through the Kaleshwaram Project.
He argued that out of the 85 pillars at the Medigadda Barrage, only one pillar had subsided and questioned the government’s decision to halt the entire project because of a single structural issue.
He also claimed that the construction company repaired the Kannepalli Pump House within 45 days without imposing any additional financial burden on the government.
Demands Special Assembly Debate on Irrigation
Harish Rao demanded a special discussion in the Telangana Assembly on the Kaleshwaram Project and irrigation-related issues.
He clarified that former Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) need not attend the debate, adding that BRS leaders themselves are prepared to defend the project. He said the party is ready to counter every allegation made by the government with facts and technical evidence.
Questions Government on Tummidihatti Project
Raising questions over the Tummidihatti Project, Harish Rao asked whether the state government had held even a single discussion with the Maharashtra government over the past two and a half years to obtain the required permissions.
He challenged the government to prove that it had secured the necessary approvals, stating that if such evidence is produced, he is ready to resign immediately.
Responds to Personal Remarks by the Chief Minister
Harish Rao also reacted to Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s personal remarks during the press conference.
He said making comments about a person’s height does not reflect healthy political culture. He further alleged that the Chief Minister lacks the maturity to show respect to former Chief Minister KCR.
Harish Rao also criticised the government for removing the room allotted to the Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly. He accused the Congress government of avoiding answers on issues concerning Telangana movement activists, unemployed youth, and matters related to Gun Park, while focusing only on political attacks instead of addressing public concerns.
