Hyderabad: TPCC Chief’s Big Statement: No Threat from Andhra Projects
Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) president B. Mahesh Kumar Goud has dismissed concerns over Andhra Pradesh’s irrigation projects, asserting that Telangana faces no adverse impact from Andhra projects in view of Godavari’s 3,000 TMC floodwaters. In a fiery media address on July 17, 2025, Goud criticized Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader T. Harish Rao for misleading the public with baseless claims about the Banakacherla project. The remarks follow a high-level meeting in Delhi involving both states’ chief ministers and Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil.
No Threat from Andhra Projects
Goud emphasized that Andhra Pradesh’s projects, including the Rayalaseema Lift Irrigation and Banakacherla initiatives, utilize only a fraction of the Godavari’s surplus water, estimated at 200 TMC. He cited the state’s stance that these projects pose no threat to Telangana’s water security. The TPCC chief referenced Andhra Pradesh’s claim that it has not objected to Telangana’s projects over the past 11 years, urging a cooperative approach to water management.
Critique of BRS Leadership
In a sharp rebuke, Goud accused Harish Rao of lacking intellectual rigor and resorting to “absurd arguments” to maintain political relevance. He challenged Rao and BRS president K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) to debate the water issue in the Telangana Assembly, rather than spreading misinformation through press conferences. Goud argued that such tactics fail to resonate with an informed public.
Delhi Meeting Clarifications
The TPCC president highlighted that Union Minister C.R. Patil and Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy provided detailed accounts of the Delhi discussions on July 16, 2025, addressing water-sharing concerns. Goud criticized Rao for ignoring these clarifications, accusing him of deliberate misrepresentation. The meeting focused on equitable water distribution, with Andhra Pradesh affirming its intent to use only excess floodwaters.
Allegations of BRS Betrayal
Goud accused the BRS of betraying Telangana’s interests during its tenure, particularly under KCR’s leadership, which he claimed enabled Andhra Pradesh’s projects through unchecked assurances. He contrasted this with the Congress government’s commitment to safeguarding Telangana’s water rights. The TPCC chief urged BRS leaders to engage constructively in legislative debates rather than deflecting blame.
Call for Legislative Accountability
Reiterating Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s challenge, Goud invited BRS leaders to an open Assembly discussion to address water disputes and other state issues. He dismissed Rao’s media-driven criticisms as attempts to salvage political credibility. The TPCC president emphasized that only transparent dialogue in the Assembly would clarify the state’s position on water-sharing agreements.