Telangana: Revanth Reddy’s decision for CBI probe into Kaleshwaram issue surprises his Cabinet colleagues

Revanth Reddy's announcement in the State Assembly announcing a CBI probe into the Kaleshwaram issue has caught his cabinet colleagues by surprise, as it was not discussed in the State Cabinet meeting on Saturday

Hyderabad: Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Sunday appeared to demonstrate his claim of being ‘100 percent autonomous’ by announcing a CBI probe into alleged irregularities in the Kaleshwaram project, a move that caught his own Cabinet colleagues by surprise.

Although the Cabinet had met on Saturday, sources said there was no discussion on involving the CBI in the Kaleshwaram issue. Revanth’s announcement not only startled his colleagues but also ran contrary to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s repeated charge that the BJP-led Centre was misusing Central agencies like the CBI to target the Opposition.

---

In effect, Revanth did what Rahul Gandhi had accused the BJP of doing. While he told the Assembly that he was acting in line with Rahul Gandhi’s directions, Sunday’s move indicated otherwise.

The CBI probe decision also comes at a time when opposition parties have been disputing the PC Ghose Commission report, flagging several issues. The BRS has already dismissed the report as politically motivated, warning that its “speculative” observations could have far-reaching consequences. According to the party, the report could weaken Telangana’s rightful claim to Godavari waters and give neighbouring States an advantage in water-sharing disputes.

The CBI probe, meanwhile, is likely to further delay the already stalled repairs of the Medigadda Barrage, which could have a cascading negative effect on Telangana’s agriculture sector, worsening the problems of an already distressed farming community.