KCR calls to block Banakacharla project, mobilise field protests across Telangana

Hyderabad: BRS chief K. Chandrashekar Rao called for immediate agitation against the proposed Banakacharla project, accusing the Andhra Pradesh government of threatening Telangana’s irrigation interests.

Speaking to party leaders at his Erravalli residence on Tuesday, KCR said the project must be stopped “under any circumstances” and instructed BRS cadre to launch field-level protests. He alleged that the Congress-led state government was complicit in enabling Andhra’s gains at Telangana’s cost, calling it a betrayal of the farming community.

He accused the Revanth Reddy administration of deliberately withholding irrigation water despite completion of monsoon sowing, particularly targeting the stalled Kaleshwaram lift operations. KCR demanded that water be lifted immediately at the Kannepalli pump house to fill reservoirs, tanks, and lakes across the state.

Criticising the state government’s handling of urea supply and farm policy, he called it “unpardonable negligence.” He claimed Revanth Reddy’s administration had collapsed rural development and sanitation, leaving villages in distress.

The BRS chief also alleged the Chief Minister was working to safeguard the political interests of Chandrababu Naidu in Andhra Pradesh and Narendra Modi at the Centre. He said the Congress and the BJP were distracting the public with mutual attacks while neglecting core governance.

KCR asked party leaders to expose the governance failures of both the state and the Centre and called for intensified mobilisation at the grassroots. He urged strengthening of the BRS student and affiliate wings to push back against anti-farmer policies.

“Only BRS has ever stood firmly with the people of Telangana,” he said.

BRS working president K.T. Rama Rao, senior leaders Harish Rao and Jagadish Reddy, and former ministers also participated in the extended strategy meeting.