A heated exchange took place in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday during a discussion on the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project. The debate saw sharp arguments between Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy and BRS MP Suresh Reddy. Suresh Reddy strongly objected to remarks made by Union Jal Shakti Minister C. R. Patil and demanded their immediate withdrawal.
Responding to the criticism, Kishan Reddy alleged that the Kaleshwaram project had become defunct due to mismanagement by the BRS government. He cited findings of an expert committee to support his claims and accused the previous administration of misusing public funds. He further alleged that the project was treated like an “ATM” by K. Chandrashekar Rao and his family, and claimed that it was executed without proper consultation with engineers.
Kishan Reddy also targeted Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, questioning why no action had been taken against KCR despite earlier assurances. The remarks intensified the political confrontation, with the Union Minister holding the previous state government responsible for alleged irregularities in the project.
In response, Suresh Reddy defended KCR, stating that Telangana was achieved due to his leadership and struggle. He criticized the Centre for merging seven mandals into Andhra Pradesh without consulting Telangana and accused it of neglecting the state over the past 12 years. He further demanded that all commitments made under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act be implemented immediately, asserting that the state continues to progress despite limited central support.