Hyderabad: Former MLA Gandra Venkata Ramana Reddy addressed a press conference at Telangana Bhavan, criticizing the Congress government over its handling of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project, water management, and issues concerning farmers.
Speaking to the media, Gandra said that weather conditions across the country remain uncertain and stressed that while the Central Government has been urging states to conserve every drop of rainwater, the Telangana Government has failed to act responsibly.
He said former Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) had envisioned the Kaleshwaram Project keeping Telangana’s long-term interests in mind. Referring to the Medigadda barrage, he alleged that only two pillars required repairs but the government has neglected to carry out the restoration work.
According to Gandra, L&T had expressed its willingness to undertake the repairs, but the state government prevented the company from proceeding. He also claimed that retired engineers had advised the government to operate the pumps immediately, but their recommendations were ignored.
The former MLA demanded that the government stop making excuses and immediately start the Kannepalli Pump House operations to safeguard irrigation and drinking water needs.
He further alleged that Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy were acting like “real estate brokers” rather than protecting farmers’ interests. He appealed to the Congress government not to use the Kaleshwaram Project as a political tool.
Gandra accused the Chief Minister of spending more time criticizing KCR than implementing welfare and development initiatives, alleging that the Congress government has failed to fulfill its election promises and is instead focused on political engagements in New Delhi.
He warned that if the current situation continues, Hyderabad could face drinking water shortages in the future.
The BRS leader also alleged that delays in operating the Devadula Project pumps had caused crop damage, stating that farmers would have benefited had the pumps been switched on in June. He claimed the government lacked the practical understanding required to address farmers’ concerns and said the farming community remains deeply worried about the government’s intentions.
Gandra Responds to Kavitha’s Remarks
Responding to recent comments made by BRS MLC K. Kavitha, Gandra said she was speaking out of frustration and that her remarks lacked substance.
He noted that political parties across India collect funds according to their organizational requirements and questioned why Kavitha was targeting only the BRS while remaining silent on the Congress Party.
Gandra alleged that Kavitha appeared to have an “internal understanding” with the Congress, claiming that this was the reason she was not criticizing the ruling party.
He also defended KCR’s contribution to Telangana, stating that it was under KCR’s leadership that martyrs of the Telangana movement were recognized, memorials were constructed, support was extended to their families, and employment opportunities were provided.
Concluding his remarks, Gandra reiterated that Kavitha’s statements were driven by frustration and did not reflect the facts
