'KCR, Harish Need Belt Treatment To Get Back On Track': Revanth Reddy Escalates Kaleshwaram Row

Published 13 July 2026 · politics

'KCR, Harish Need Belt Treatment To Get Back On Track': Revanth Reddy Escalates Kaleshwaram Row Published By, Last Updated: July 13, 2026, 14:43 IST Kaleshwaram

'KCR, Harish Need Belt Treatment To Get Back On Track': Revanth Reddy Escalates Kaleshwaram Row Published By, Last Updated: July 13, 2026, 14:43 IST Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project News: Revanth Reddy accused the previous BRS government of turning irrigation contracts into a source of commissions and kickbacks. Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project News: Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy (PTI/File) Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project News: A political slugfest broke out in Telangana after Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy’s remarks about BRS chief K Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) and senior leader T Harish Rao triggered a sharp response from the opposition. Speaking on the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project and concerns over water availability in the state, Revanth Reddy accused the previous BRS government of turning irrigation contracts into a source of commissions and kickbacks.

Dismissing the opposition’s criticism of his government’s handling of the water situation, the Chief Minister said KCR and Harish Rao needed “belt treatment" to “get back on track". The Congress leader also took a swipe at the two BRS leaders over their criticism of the government’s response to the emerging drought situation. In a sarcastic remark, he suggested that if the duo had solutions to the crisis, they should be asked to bring rainfall to the state. The comments quickly drew condemnation from the BRS as party working president K T Rama Rao accused the Chief Minister of using provocative language instead of addressing farmers’ concerns over irrigation water. “If farmers ask for water, will you answer with blood?" KTR said, referring to another controversial remark made by Revanth Reddy during the interaction.

The BRS leader said the focus should be on ensuring water supply rather than engaging in political rhetoric. In a symbolic protest, the party’s student and youth wings announced a blood-donation drive, saying it was a response to the Chief Minister’s comments. irrigation minister Harish Rao also joined the attack, alleging that the Congress government had failed to utilise available Godavari inflows despite repeated suggestions from engineers and irrigation experts. He argued that water could have been lifted through temporary arrangements at key pump houses to support farmers. Kaleshwaram project, one of Telangana’s most ambitious and politically contentious infrastructure projects, has repeatedly been questioned by the Congress government over its execution and cost. The BRS continues to defend the project, insisting that most of its infrastructure remains operational.