While the Telangana High Court had earlier issued an interim order stopping a CBI inquiry based on the P. C. Ghosh Commission Report, the state government tactfully issued a fresh Government Order (G.O.) seeking a probe based on the findings of the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA).
The Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project is one of the costliest in India. The CAG (Comptroller and Auditor General), in its 2024 report, stated that the project's final cost had ballooned to ₹1,47,427.41 crore, far exceeding the originally stated ₹81,911.01 crore.
Projects of this scale are rarely free from controversy. Allegations of corruption and kickbacks often emerge. Observers point out that even leaders from the Congress, which was in opposition at the time, may have benefited through ties with contractors.
This places both the BRS leadership and senior Congress figures in a tough spot. If the CBI widens its scope, it could end up being politically advantageous for Revanth Reddy, who often faces resistance from senior Congress members.
In Congress, the senior-junior divide has always caused internal friction. A CBI probe weakening both BRS and Congress seniors could clear the path for Revanth's leadership to solidify.
Now, the BJP has an important decision to make. While Revanth Reddy may hope the BJP uses the inquiry to politically dismantle the BRS, the saffron party will first assess whether such a move might inadvertently strengthen the Congress's position.
The BJP has had reasonable traction in urban Telangana but continues to face challenges in rural areas, where Congress and BRS remain dominant. If the BRS collapses, the BJP could gain rural ground by absorbing its support base.
A serious investigation could also lead to a mass exodus of BRS leaders into the BJP, giving the party a strategic advantage ahead of future elections.
However, the BJP High Command is expected to weigh the long-term implications. Will taking down the BRS ultimately help them or hand over a stronger second term to Congress?
The political game is in motion. All eyes are now on the BJP's next move.
Tags: BRSRevanth ReddyTelangana News
Sridhar RaaviSridhar is a highly experienced hand in Telugu politics, writing and analyzing political happenings in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. An IT engineer turned news junkie, Sridhar has a sharp eye for catching news as it unfo…