Hyderabad: Former Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) has decided to appear before the judicial commission probing alleged irregularities in the construction of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project. Sources indicate that KCR has held consultations with legal experts and confirmed his willingness to attend the proceedings.
The commission, headed by Justice P.C. Ghose, is examining allegations of corruption and procedural violations in the execution of the multi-crore irrigation project. The panel had issued summons to KCR to appear on June 5. Party leaders are said to have advised KCR that avoiding the hearing could send negative signals to the public.
This will be KCR’s first appearance before the Kaleshwaram Commission. Notices have also been served to former ministers Etela Rajender and T. Harish Rao, who have been asked to appear on June 6 and June 9, respectively. Etela has publicly confirmed his participation in the proceedings.
The commission has been investigating the matter for the past 14 months and has so far questioned over 200 officials, including 25 IAS officers who played key roles during the previous government’s tenure. Several of them are reported to have mentioned KCR, Harish Rao, and Etela Rajender during their depositions.
The inquiry, initiated following allegations by Congress leaders, aims to uncover irregularities in what was once projected as a flagship development initiative. The upcoming appearances of top BRS leaders are expected to be a critical phase in the ongoing investigation.
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