Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader Harish Rao on Sunday criticised Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy over his remarks regarding the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project issue, alleging that the Chief Minister's comments about "belt treatment" and "blood on crops" were entirely inappropriate and demanding an unconditional apology. Addressing a press conference, Rao accused Reddy of using foul language instead of addressing the genuine concerns of farmers regarding irrigation water.
Rao noted that listening to the words spoken by the state Chief Minister made him seem deeply unstable, adding that such remarks are not becoming of someone in his position. He argued that whilst the public is asking for water to be released into their fields, lies and abuses are flowing from the Chief Minister's mouth, when what the farming community and the people actually need is drinking and irrigation water rather than curses. Rao further alleged that three distinct traits were visible in the Chief Minister's speech: blatant lies, abuses, and sadism, stating that the BRS would not lose its character by engaging in similar vitriol.
Referring to a video clip of the Chief Minister's remarks, Rao questioned whether it was appropriate language for a leader to talk about letting opposition blood flow when asked to provide water for farmers' fields. He stated that if their blood is what stands in the way of providing water, they are prepared to give that as well, as long as the water is delivered. Rao added that holding the post of Chief Minister and talking about sprinkling the blood of the opposition on crops or using belt treatment points to a clear indication of a violent mindset. He noted the irony of these words being spoken at the Bodhi Pavilion, the official CM camp office, which despite its name was used to incite violence and aggression.
Rao further alleged that Reddy was using such language out of sheer frustration, claiming the Chief Minister lacked answers on governance issues and resorted to foul language because a political downward spiral and eventual defeat seemed certain. He demanded that Reddy watch his own broadcast, realise his mistake, and offer an unconditional apology, questioning whether abusing the opposition or putting them in jail would absolve the government of its responsibility to the farmers. Rao maintained that BRS workers are not afraid of arrests or imprisonment, having been jailed many times during the Telangana movement, and are ready to face the same for the sake of lakhs of farmers.
Rao also accused the Chief Minister of neglecting farmers facing severe water shortages due to poor rainfall and El Nino conditions, describing a drought-like situation where poor farmers are desperately carrying pots and buckets of water to sprinkle on individual plants to save their crops. Responding to Reddy's specific remarks on the Kaleshwaram project, Rao alleged that the Chief Minister was spreading misinformation about water availability at the Kannepally Pump House.
Rao claimed that despite the Chief Minister's statement that water could not be lifted without closing the Medigadda Barrage gates, the pump house could operate based on the current water level. He explained that the Kannepally Pump House motors operate at an elevation of 93.5 metres, and with a current flood of one lakh cusecs in the Godavari, the water level has reached 97 metres, meaning officials only need to turn on the motors to lift the water. Rao cited a letter by retired engineers, which reportedly stated that the pump house has the capacity to lift up to 3 TMC of water per day under present conditions.
His remarks follow statements made by Reddy on Saturday, who asserted that the state government was working to restore the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project with the help of experts, whilst accusing the previous BRS government of irregularities, corruption, and looting in the execution of the project. The Chief Minister had maintained that the government is following the recommendations of the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) and the Central Water Commission (CWC), and that rehabilitation work would proceed strictly under expert supervision.
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