Hyderabad: Former BRS MP B. Vinod Kumar accused the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of turning the Tummidihatti project controversy into a political spectacle instead of addressing the underlying issues.
Addressing a press conference at Telangana Bhavan on Wednesday, Vinod Kumar said both parties were fully aware of Maharashtra’s long-standing objections to the project.
He argued that these objections left Telangana with limited options and made repairs to the Medigadda barrage and continued use of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme necessary to meet irrigation and drinking water needs.
Tummidihatti project controversy triggers political allegations
Vinod Kumar challenged recent remarks by Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy and BJP State President N. Ramchander Rao.
He recalled Kishan Reddy’s earlier statement that he would resign if it was proven that he had obstructed the Tummidihatti project.
The former MP also referred to Ramchander Rao’s allegation that Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy had failed to communicate with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
According to Vinod Kumar, both leaders were engaging in a blame game for political gain without achieving any concrete progress.
“Both are engaged in a blame game for political gain, but without any tangible progress on the ground,” he said.
Tummidihatti project controversy linked to Maharashtra objections
Vinod Kumar said the original Pranahita-Chevella project, proposed during the tenure of former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, envisaged a structure at Tummidihatti with a height of 152 metres.
However, he said the then Congress government in Maharashtra opposed the proposal and did not grant approval.
The BRS leader stated that the neighbouring state maintained its opposition even during the BRS government’s tenure.
He said former Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao held extensive discussions with Maharashtra leaders, including Devendra Fadnavis.
Despite those efforts, Maharashtra did not clear the project, he added.
Vinod Kumar also criticised Chief Minister Revanth Reddy for targeting Union Minister Kishan Reddy for political reasons.
In addition, he referred to an earlier assurance by Union Minister Bandi Sanjay, who had promised to secure permissions for the project within six months.
According to Vinod Kumar, that commitment had not materialised.
He reiterated that the Tummidihatti project controversy was being used for political purposes by both Congress and BJP.
The former MP said the Telangana government’s decision to repair the Medigadda barrage reflected the reality that the Kaleshwaram project remained the state’s only practical option for meeting water requirements.