Hyderabad, 02 January (H.S.): Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy unleashed a scathing attack on Friday against his predecessor K. Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) and former Irrigation Minister T. Harish Rao, accusing the duo of inflicting greater injustice on the state in irrigation projects than during the undivided Andhra Pradesh era.

Speaking at a detailed PowerPoint presentation by Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy to Congress leaders on critical river water issues, Reddy invoked a powerful quote from late Telangana poet Kaloji Narayana Rao: We will kick out outsiders who exploit us, and we will bury alive those from our own region if they exploit us.

He asserted that this sentiment perfectly applied to KCR and Harish Rao, declaring with authority, It would not be wrong even if they are hanged for the injustice in river water issues.

Reddy highlighted how Telangana, formed after enduring injustices in undivided Andhra Pradesh, suffered even worse under BRS rule—particularly in the utilization of Krishna and Godavari river waters and fund allocations.

He alleged the BRS regime echoed the stance of former Andhra CM N. Kiran Kumar Reddy, who opposed statehood, labeling KCR and Harish Rao a bigger evil for Telangana.

Specific grievances included KCR's acceptance of a mere 299 TMC share in Krishna waters despite Telangana's rightful claim of 71% based on catchment area (around 555 TMC), delays in projects like Kaleshwaram (cost ballooning to Rs 1.40 lakh crore), and enabling Andhra Pradesh to divert waters through poor negotiations.

The BRS swiftly countered, with working president K.T. Rama Rao (KTR) accusing Reddy of ignorance on irrigation matters and wishing death on party leaders; KTR reminded that KCR had demanded 69% of 811 TMC just 42 days post-state formation.

Reddy, undeterred, invited KCR to the ongoing Assembly session for debate, assuring respect while noting even 26/11 terrorist Ajmal Kasab received fair trial—implying KCR's resources would afford top legal defense.

This verbal showdown underscores escalating tensions ahead of Assembly discussions on irrigation, with Reddy vowing probes into alleged graft in projects like Palamuru-Rangareddy Lift Irrigation Scheme.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar