The Palmuru Rangareddy Project has moved to the centre of Telangana politics. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and Irrigation Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy recently gave a presentation alleging large scale corruption during the previous KCR regime.
While speaking in the AP Assembly, CM Revanth Reddy referred to the Rayalaseema Lift Irrigation Project. He claimed that Chandrababu Naidu stopped the project out of respect after he made a request.
Revanth Reddy's remarks were prominently published in Sakshi. The report alleged that Chandrababu Naidu compromised the interests of Andhra Pradesh by halting the project based on personal equations.
Soon after, the Andhra Pradesh Government released an official statement condemning Revanth Reddy's comments. The statement strongly rejected the claim that Chandrababu Naidu stopped the Rayalaseema Lift Irrigation Project at Revanth Reddy's request.
The AP Government clarified that the Rayalaseema lift irrigation project was taken up without required permissions during Jagan's tenure. It stated that the project works were initiated under his administration.
The statement further noted that the previous government claimed it would supply 3 TMC of water daily to Rayalaseema. Due to this propaganda, the Telangana Government had approached the courts.
It was clearly stated that the issue had nothing to do with Chandrababu Naidu honouring any request from Revanth Reddy. The clarification aimed to put an end to the political narrative being circulated.
Political observers feel Revanth Reddy is riding high after KCR skipped the Assembly. In that confidence, he allegedly made casual remarks involving Chandrababu Naidu.
Chandrababu Naidu, being the Chief Minister of another state, carries responsibilities towards Andhra Pradesh. Analysts argue that personal rapport cannot justify using his name lightly in political statements.
It has also been pointed out that careless remarks could harm TDP's political interests. Leaders are expected to choose their words carefully in sensitive inter state matters.
The AP Government's clarification is being seen as a subtle message from Chandrababu Naidu. Harish Rao has already begun using the statement politically against Revanth Reddy.
Observers believe Chandrababu Naidu avoided directly addressing the media. Instead, the response was issued officially, possibly to prevent further escalation.
Many feel the situation could have turned more intense had Chandrababu Naidu spoken directly. The episode has added fresh tension to the political discourse between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.