Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has issued a direct challenge to former Chief Minister and Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) chief K Chandrashekar Rao for an open public debate on the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project and other large-scale infrastructure initiatives carried out under the previous administration. The challenge comes amid rising political tensions and growing public scrutiny over the financial and structural outcomes of the state's flagship projects.
Speaking at a press conference, Revanth Reddy accused the previous BRS government of gross mismanagement of public funds and poor execution of irrigation projects, particularly the Kaleshwaram project. He claimed that the massive costs associated with the project were not justified by its performance or results. Reddy pointed to recent technical reports and damage assessments, including the collapse of the Medigadda barrage pillars, as evidence of engineering flaws and rushed implementation.
The Chief Minister stated that the people of Telangana deserve clarity and transparency regarding how thousands of crores of public money were spent. He said the government is committed to investigating irregularities and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable. Revanth Reddy further added that he was ready to face KCR in a public debate at any time and location of the latter’s choice, urging him not to avoid public accountability.
The Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project, once touted as one of the largest of its kind in the world, has recently come under intense criticism following technical failures and audit observations. The project, which aimed to improve irrigation and drinking water supply across drought-prone regions of Telangana, has become a major political flashpoint.
Revanth Reddy also accused the former regime of sidelining expert opinions and bypassing due process in awarding contracts and conducting feasibility studies. He claimed that corruption and lack of transparency marred the entire process and that the present government is determined to correct those mistakes.
In response, leaders from the BRS have defended the project, calling it a visionary initiative that brought water to millions of acres and benefited numerous districts. They have accused the Congress government of playing politics and undermining the state’s development efforts for electoral gain.
Political analysts believe that Revanth Reddy’s challenge is both a strategic and symbolic move. By pushing for a public debate, the Chief Minister aims to shift the conversation towards accountability and governance, while also highlighting alleged failures of the previous government.
As Telangana continues to grapple with economic and environmental challenges, the debate over major infrastructure projects like Kaleshwaram is expected to remain central in the political discourse. Whether or not KCR accepts the debate challenge, the issue is likely to shape narratives ahead of future elections and influence public opinion across the state.
