The controversial Banakacharla project has once again become a major point of contention between the two Telugu states, triggering a political storm in Telangana after the Central Water Commission (CWC) granted clearances to the project. Former minister and senior BRS leader Harish Rao strongly criticised the Revanth Reddy-led government, warning it to wake up from what he termed a “deep slumber,” failing which Telangana’s water interests would suffer irreversible damage.
Reacting to the CWC approvals for the Godavari–Banakacharla link project proposed by the Andhra Pradesh government, Harish Rao termed the decision a grave injustice to Telangana. He alleged that the Centre granted clearances without seeking Telangana’s views, calling it a violation of the spirit of federalism. Expressing anger over the Telangana government’s inaction even as Andhra Pradesh moved ahead with tenders, he questioned whether the state government was unaware of the approvals or was deliberately pretending to be asleep.
బనకచర్లకు కావలసిన అత్యంత కీలకమైన అనుమతులు సీడబ్ల్యూసీ నుండి వచ్చాయి
ఈ అనుమతులు వచ్చినా తెలంగాణ ప్రభుత్వానికి కనిపించడం లేదా? పడుకున్నట్లు నటిస్తున్నారా?
రేవంత్ రెడ్డి చిల్లర మాటలే మాట్లాడుతాడా? రాజకీయ ప్రయోజనాల గురించి ఆలోచించేది లేదా?
గురువుకు గురుదక్షిణ ఇస్తున్నాడా? ఆంధ్రా… https://t.co/M0a41ypOyE pic.twitter.com/W6HypRssJ6
— Telugu Scribe (@TeluguScribe) December 30, 2025
Harish Rao accused the Revanth Reddy government of completely failing to protect Telangana’s water rights and made sensational remarks holding government adviser Adityanath Das responsible for the situation. Using sharp language, he alleged that while the “knife belongs to Andhra Pradesh, the one stabbing is Revanth Reddy,” and demanded the immediate removal of Adityanath Das for allegedly facilitating what he called the looting of Telangana’s water. He sarcastically remarked that Telangana’s water was being handed over to Andhra Pradesh as a form of “guru dakshina.”
Announcing a combative stand, Harish Rao said the BRS would intensify its agitation to stop the project. He demanded that the Telangana Assembly immediately pass a resolution opposing the Banakacharla clearances, assuring full support from the BRS. He also called on the government to organise a massive dharna in Delhi to exert pressure on the Centre for the cancellation of the CWC approvals and suggested that an all-party delegation led by the Chief Minister meet the Prime Minister.
Harish Rao warned that the project would severely impact Telangana’s share of surplus Godavari waters and described it as a betrayal of the state’s farmers. He cautioned that if the government failed to respond, the people of Telangana would deliver an appropriate response to the Revanth Reddy administration.