CPI’s Kunamneni slams BRS-BJP secret pact, hits out on Kaleshwaram and poverty
Hyderabad: CPI state secretary and Kothagudem MLA Kunamneni Sambasiva Rao on Saturday levelled serious allegations against both BRS and BJP, claiming that BRS MLC Kavitha’s recent remarks have exposed a secret understanding between the two parties.
Speaking to the media in Hanamkonda during his visit, Kunamneni drew parallels between Kavitha’s political position in Telangana and YS Sharmila’s status in Andhra Pradesh, suggesting that both were now politically sidelined.
Turning to the Kaleshwaram project, Kunamneni reiterated his long-standing criticism, branding it an utter failure. He demanded that the government cancel the project altogether and stop spending public funds on what he described as a pointless venture. “Those who once chanted ‘KCR means Kaleshwaram, Kaleshwaram means KCR’ have now fallen silent,” he remarked, questioning why KCR, who earlier claimed full ownership of the project, was now distancing himself.
He also countered former minister Harish Rao’s recent claim that Maharashtra had not granted permissions, recalling that CPI had earlier proposed constructing a project at 140 metres at Tummidihatti. Despite the massive expenditure on Kaleshwaram, Kunamneni pointed out, not a single drop of additional water has reached farmlands, and irrigation remains entirely dependent on the Ellampalli project.
Kunamneni also lashed out at the Centre, accusing the Modi government of repeatedly violating human rights. Referring to the police encounter that killed Maoist leader Nambala Keshav Rao, he condemned the authorities for denying the body to his family, calling it inhumane and shameful.
The CPI leader further accused the central government of attempting to portray India as a nation free of the poor. “How can someone earning ₹8,000 a month be considered rich?” he questioned, demanding that those earning even ₹20,000 a month still be recognised as poor and deserving of government support. He accused the Modi government of cheating the poor while working to benefit only the wealthy.