BRS Demands Parliamentary Clarification from Centre Over Kaleshwaram Project Remarks
In a significant political development, the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) has formally sought a response from the Central government regarding recent comments made by Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil concerning the Kaleshwaram project. Senior BRS leader and former Member of Parliament B Vinod Kumar has strongly criticized the minister's statements, labeling them as "uncalled for" and demanding an immediate clarification in Parliament.
Press Conference Highlights and Key Allegations
Addressing a press conference at Telangana Bhavan on Wednesday, Vinod Kumar revealed that BRS Members of Parliament have already raised this issue, objecting to Minister Patil's assertion that the ₹1 lakh crore invested in the Kaleshwaram project had "gone down the drain." He emphasized that such remarks are not only misleading but also highly inappropriate, given the project's critical importance to Telangana's development and water security.
Vinod Kumar insisted that the Union minister must provide a detailed explanation for his comments directly in the House, ensuring transparency and accountability. He argued that the project, often described as Telangana's lifeline, deserves respect and factual discourse rather than dismissive criticism.
Criticism of BJP-Led NDA Government and Allegations of Bias
In a broader critique of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government, the former MP highlighted what he termed as a consistent failure by the Centre to grant national project status to Kaleshwaram, despite repeated requests from the previous BRS administration. He pointed out the irony in the Centre now criticizing a project it had neglected to support adequately.
Furthermore, Vinod Kumar alleged that the Central government is showing undue favoritism towards the Andhra Pradesh government and its Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu. He called for the immediate merger of the seven mandals that were transferred to Andhra Pradesh back into Telangana, asserting that this transfer was conducted in a manner that violates constitutional principles.
Constitutional Concerns and Demands for Rectification
The BRS leader elaborated on his concerns by stating that the Centre had amended the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Bill, 2014, in ways that he believes undermine constitutional integrity. He demanded that these amendments be reviewed and rectified to ensure fairness and justice for Telangana.
This confrontation underscores the ongoing political tensions between the BRS and the Central government, with the Kaleshwaram project serving as a focal point for broader disputes over regional development, resource allocation, and inter-state relations. The BRS's demands highlight a persistent call for greater accountability and equitable treatment from the Centre in matters of critical infrastructure and state rights.
