The dispute focuses on the financial and structural aspects of the project, which Reddy defended as “Telangana’s lifeline.”

Describing the project as a transformative development for Telangana's irrigation and energy sectors, Reddy challenged the allegations made by Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and pointed out that the project will benefit the state for the next 100 years. He also accused Andhra Pradesh leaders of fostering negativity due to their business interests in Telangana.

Patil claimed over ₹1 lakh crore of public funds had been wasted due to poor planning and design flaws in the project, citing structural failures at the Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla barrages as examples.

Reddy responded: “It has been 12 years since Telangana was formed… During 10 years of KCR’s rule, Telangana became a role model for the country in irrigation, energy… It is unfortunate that the Union Jal Shakti Minister spoke of Rs 1 lakh crore being washed away in the Kaleshwaram project. They must understand that it is the world’s largest lift irrigation project, because of which Telangana will not face water issues for the next 100 years… Many Andhra leaders have businesses here. Many Andhra parliamentarians, their Chief Ministers, and legislators come here for opportunities. Spreading venom against Telangana is not going to change the facts…”

Patil’s remarks were delivered in the Rajya Sabha, where he alleged significant wastage of taxpayers' money on the Kaleshwaram project. His comments followed a request from BRS MP KR Suresh Reddy urging the Union government to grant national project status to Kaleshwaram.

BRS leaders including T Harish Rao have described the project as a global engineering marvel, emphasising its role in significantly expanding Telangana’s cultivable land from 1.31 crore acres in 2014 to 2.2 crore acres in 2023. They noted that the Central Water Commission and other central agencies had previously approved and commended the project.

Separately, Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy issued a challenge to opposition parties to visit Telangana and observe the implementation of the six guarantees by the Congress government. Speaking while releasing the United Democratic Front (UDF) manifesto for the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections, he criticised Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, referring to them as “Modi Brothers” and alleging corruption and administrative failures.

Reddy stated, “I would personally demonstrate to CM Vijayan and his ministers how the guarantees have been implemented in a true spirit if the Kerala CM delegation visits Telangana.” He also declared that the “dark era” under Vijayan had ended and expressed confidence in a forthcoming “Golden era” under the UDF.