Congress government neglecting Telangana’s irrigation needs: Former Minister Niranjan Reddy

BRS leader slams Chief Minister Revanth Reddy for cooperating with Andhra Pradesh’s efforts to divert water from Godavari River to Krishna River basin through the illegal Banakacherla project

Hyderabad: Former Minister S Niranjan Reddy slammed the Congress government for neglecting Telangana’s irrigation interests and cooperating with Andhra Pradesh’s efforts to divert water from Godavari River to Krishna River basin through the illegal Banakacherla project.

Addressing a press conference at Telangana Bhavan on Thursday, Niranjan Reddy said Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy is more concerned with political posturing than protecting the State’s rights.

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He questioned why Revanth Reddy failed to strongly oppose Andhra Pradesh’s canal widening under Nagarjuna Sagar, calling it a direct violation of the provisions of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act.

He castigated the Chief Minister over his remarks in the recent all-party MPs meeting, for twisting former Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao’s observations in the Apex Council meeting and politicising a sensitive issue. He condemned the government for remaining silent until former Minister T Harish Rao raised concerns over the Banakacharla project.

Niranjan Reddy said the Palamuru-Ranga Reddy Lift Irrigation Scheme, crucial for the drought-hit Palamuru region, was 99 per cent complete with Rs 32,500 crore spent, and only 172 acres pending for acquisition. “Why did the Congress government not push the Centre to approve the DPR and release water?” he asked.

He also criticised Revanth Reddy for failing to demand an Apex Council meeting despite being in power for over a year. “Isn’t it time to stop playing politics and write to the Centre and Andhra Pradesh to stop Banakacharla and safeguard Telangana’s river water share?” he asked.

Calling Revanth Reddy’s language unfit for the office of Chief Minister, Niranjan Reddy said the Congress regime lacks vision, sincerity, and understanding of Telangana’s irrigation needs.

He said though Chandrashekhar Rao maintained cordial relations with the Centre and the Andhra Pradesh governments, he did not compromise when it came to Telangana’s interests, especially water needs.