Kaleshwaram Challenge: Heated Political Debate in Hyderabad. Telangana minister Uttam Kumar Reddy threw down the gauntlet, questioning if BRS leader Jagadish Reddy was prepared for a true project debate. Jagadish Reddy quickly accepted, accusing Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and the minister of speaking without a proper understanding of the Kaleshwaram project.
The Kaleshwaram challenge intensified as Jagadish Reddy, a former minister, defended the project at Telangana Bhavan. He argued that releasing water from the Kannepally pump house could prevent a looming drought. He challenged the government’s claims, stating that emptying every reservoir into the Godavari at one spot would still leave Bhadrachalam dry. He also criticized CM Revanth Reddy for refuting fears that storing water would submerge the area.
Addressing the Kaleshwaram challenge further, Jagadish Reddy condemned the minister for threatening to jail retired engineers who advised water release. He warned that Super El Nino could cause two years of extreme drought. He then shifted focus, citing the Shabad incident as proof of deteriorating law and order under Congress rule, contrasting it with the BRS government’s, which he claimed prevented crime. He alleged the current government is distracted by land encroachment issues.
The Kaleshwaram challenge remains a central and contentious issue, highlighting the deep political divide over water management. Jagadish Reddy reiterated his readiness for a sincere discussion focused on farmers’ welfare. This debate underscores the urgent need for constructive dialogue in Telangana politics to address critical water scarcity and development challenges.