HC verdict exposes Congress govt’s false propaganda: Harish Rao, demands immediate Medigadda repairs

BRS leader T Harish Rao welcomed the High Court verdict on the Ghose Commission report and demanded urgent repairs to Medigadda barrage. He criticised the Congress government over irrigation delays, farmer distress and pending dues of RTC employees

Hyderabad: BRSLP deputy leader and former Minister T Harish Rao said the High Court verdict setting aside the Justice PC Ghose Commission report was a slap in the face to the Congress government. He demanded immediate repair of the Medigadda barrage to protect farmers’ interests.

“Satyameva Jayate. Truth has ultimately prevailed,” he said.

---

Speaking to mediapersons here on Wednesday, Harish Rao said the court found the Commission’s inquiry violated principles of natural justice and fundamental rights, and barred any action based on its report. He stated that the Congress had spread false propaganda, claiming that the entire Kaleshwaram project had collapsed and lakhs of crores were wasted, even though only two pillars at the Medigadda barrage were damaged.

The former Irrigation Minister said the Kaleshwaram project continues to be the lifeline of Telangana, providing drinking water to nearly 70 per cent of the state and irrigation to about 37 lakh acres. “Medigadda is only one component of a massive project. By spending Rs 100-200 crore, irrigation can be extended to another two lakh acres. Yet, no funds were released for two and a half years, even for repair and maintenance works,” he said.

He accused Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy of indulging in petty politics instead of governance, and urged him to prioritise repairs and restore irrigation supply. He added that repeated attempts were made to target the previous BRS government through inquiries and cases for political gain.

Raising farmers’ issues, Harish Rao said delayed paddy procurement, along with removal of 5 kg per tonne as wastage for paddy, and lack of markets for maize, Bengal gram and sunflower crops, were pushing farmers into distress. He alleged that loan waivers and Rythu Bharosa payments were not implemented, while power supply issues remained unresolved.

He also pointed to pending fee reimbursements affecting students, particularly from SC, ST and BC communities, and said welfare failures had impacted multiple sections.

Harish Rao also announced the BRS’s support for the ongoing strike of RTC employees and workers. He said dues amounting to Rs 3,000 crore remained unpaid and benefits like DA and retirement funds were pending for staff. He questioned the delay in the merger of RTC with the state government. He urged the government to hold talks and resolve the issue.

He also called on Union Minister Bandi Sanjay to address concerns over river water projects affecting Telangana.

“The Congress government spent the last two-and-a-half years targeting the BRS leadership in the name of inquiries and investigations, but proved nothing. Further, the Congress failed to fulfil its electoral promises. When we raised the issues, the government is trying to intimidate us with pressure politics and false propaganda. For us, who faced numerous challenges during the statehood movement, such intimidation will have no impact,” he said, adding that the BRS will continue to question the Congress government over its failures.