Published Apr 21, 2026 | 10:50 AM ⚊ Updated Apr 21, 2026 | 10:50 AM
Revanth Reddy's statement has created political storm. Credit: x.com/revanth_anumula, x.com/BRSparty
Synopsis: Telangana CMTelangana CM A. Revanth Reddy launched a fierce attack on KCR, alleging a ₹1 lakh crore “scam” in the Kaleshwaram project and demanding a CBI probe. At Bhupalpally, he vowed Congress would retain power till 2034, disbursed Rythu Bharosa funds, and criticised defectors like Jeevan Reddy.
Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Monday launched a scathing attack on K. Chandrashekar Rao, stating it would be “no sin” even if the former CM was “hanged to death” for allegedly wasting ₹1 lakh crore of public money on the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project, which he claimed collapsed within three years of its inauguration under the previous Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) regime.
Revanth Reddy remarked that in earlier times, such as during the Nizam era, Rao would have faced such punishment for what he described as the Kaleshwaram “scam.” He added, however, that in a democratic system governed by the rule of law, his government had instead sought a probe by the CBI into alleged irregularities in the project.
Addressing a public meeting in Kataram mandal of Bhupalpally district after disbursing Rythu Bharosa funds, the Chief Minister threw an open political challenge, stating that he would ensure that K. Chandrashekar Rao loses his status as Leader of Opposition in the 2029 Assembly elections.
Responding to Rao’s earlier claim that the BRS “victory march” would begin from Jagtial, Revanth Reddy said he would politically “bury” both the BRS and Rao “100 metres deep” in Jagtial in the next elections. He expressed confidence that the Congress-led government would return to power in 2029 and continue till 2034.
The Chief Minister also cited historical political trends, noting that parties in the state between 1994 and 2024 had typically ruled for about a decade, and said he was determined to replicate that pattern by securing consecutive terms for the Congress.
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Revanth Reddy reiterated that his government would not spare those responsible for alleged “multi-crore corruption” in the Kaleshwaram project. He pointed to findings from the Justice P.C. Ghose Commission, which flagged alleged financial misappropriation, and said accountability would be fixed.
He also accused the Centre of inaction on the state’s request for a CBI probe, warning that protests could follow if no decision was taken. The Chief Minister questioned the role of senior BRS leader T. Harish Rao, alleging that he made a “secret” visit to Delhi to influence the Union government against initiating an inquiry.
Despite the allegations, Revanth Reddy maintained that the project would not be abandoned. He said technical experts had assessed structural damage at the Medigadda barrage, including the sinking of piers in 2023, and that necessary repairs would be undertaken to restore water supply for irrigation and drinking needs.
Alongside the political offensive, the Chief Minister announced that over 45 lakh farmers benefited from the second instalment of the Rythu Bharosa scheme, amounting to ₹2,200 crore. Combined with the first instalment of ₹3,500 crore released earlier, a total of ₹5,700 crore has been disbursed so far for the ongoing yasangi season.
He assured that the third and final instalment of ₹3,300 crore would be released in May, taking the total seasonal disbursement under the scheme to ₹9,000 crore.
The Chief Minister also highlighted broader welfare measures, including farm loan waivers up to ₹2 lakh benefiting over 25 lakh farmers, continued ration rice supply to 3.5 crore people, and the creation of around 70,000 government jobs under the current administration.
Revanth Reddy also came down heavily on senior leader T. Jeevan Reddy, who recently quit the Congress to join the BRS. Accusing him of betrayal, the Chief Minister said Jeevan Reddy had been given opportunities to contest Assembly, Lok Sabha and Council elections 14 times despite repeated defeats, and had enjoyed the support of Congress workers in Jagtial for nearly four decades.
He criticised Jeevan Reddy for raising slogans calling for the Congress government to be replaced, questioning why a “Praja Palana” government should be removed and why what he termed a “Papala Bhairavudu” — referring to KCR — should return to power.
Revanth Reddy alleged that Jeevan Reddy’s exit was driven by personal disappointment over not being inducted into the Cabinet after being nominated as an MLC, especially following his defeat in both Assembly and Lok Sabha elections within a span of six months during 2023–24.
Also Read: KCR names Jeevan Reddy BRS general secretary; slams Congress, vows return to power
The CM’s remarks mark a sharp escalation in Telangana’s political rhetoric, with the Kaleshwaram project emerging as a central flashpoint between the ruling Congress and the opposition BRS.
While the government is pushing for a probe and accountability, it is simultaneously attempting to restore the project and reinforce its welfare agenda through schemes like Rythu Bharosa. With demands for a CBI inquiry pending and political exchanges intensifying, the controversy is expected to dominate the state’s political landscape in the coming months.
