Article Today, Hyderabad:
The Telangana Legislative Assembly on Sunday unanimously resolved to hand over the investigation into alleged irregularities in the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The decision, taken under the leadership of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, comes in the backdrop of corruption allegations amounting to nearly Rs. 1 lakh crore. Political observers say the move reflects public demand for a transparent probe into the project executed during the previous government’s tenure.
Chief Minister’s Statement
Mr. Revanth Reddy said the government chose the CBI route to avoid doubts about impartiality. He pointed out that reports by the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA), Vigilance Department, Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), and the Justice P.C. Ghose Commission had already highlighted major lapses. He alleged that the BRS government ignored viable alternatives such as constructing the project at Tummidihatti, which would have reduced costs and eased maintenance. Instead, he said, contracts were awarded in a manner that favoured commissions and inflated expenses. The Chief Minister assured that those found guilty would face strict action.
BRS Protest
The decision sparked protests from the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS). During the debate, BRS legislators staged a walkout, alleging that they were not given a fair opportunity to speak. Later, they gathered at Gun Park and demonstrated by throwing copies of the Justice Ghose Commission report into a dustbin. The party described this act as symbolic of their rejection of what they called a politically motivated investigation.
Opposition Response
BRS working president K.T. Rama Rao accused the Congress and the BJP of colluding to stall the Kaleshwaram project. He alleged that the move was part of a conspiracy to shut down a lifeline project for farmers. He warned that the party would launch a state-wide agitation if farmers’ interests were undermined.
Intensifying Political Contest
The Assembly resolution and subsequent protests underline the deepening political rift in Telangana. While the government frames the CBI probe as a step towards accountability, the BRS portrays it as a targeted attack. Analysts believe the issue is set to dominate the political discourse in the State in the coming months.
