Harish Rao Turns Assembly Debate into Political Showdown

What was expected to be the Congress government’s opportunity to corner the BRS on the Kaleshwaram project dramatically backfired on Monday. Former Minister and senior BRS leader T Harish Rao transformed the Assembly discussion into a high-stakes political battle, leaving the ruling party on the defensive.

Armed with documents, official clearances, and past correspondence, Harish Rao systematically dismantled the Congress’s narrative. Although allotted 30 minutes, he spoke for over 80 minutes, enduring constant interruptions from Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy and six Cabinet Ministers, who tried over 30 times to unsettle him. Instead, Harish Rao’s arguments forced the Chief Minister to repeatedly shift his stance, exposing contradictions in the Congress position.

Initially, Revanth accused the BRS of shifting the project from Tummidihatti to Medigadda despite sufficient water at the original site. Harish countered with a Union Minister’s letter warning of doubtful water utilization. When the CM changed tack, citing barrage height as the issue, Harish produced evidence of objections from Maharashtra, CWC reports, and environmental clearances. This forced another change in the Congress’s stand, highlighting the weakness of its argument.

Harish Rao not only defended the Kaleshwaram project but also accused the Congress of political opportunism, pointing out that several Ministers criticizing the project had once approved it as part of the Cabinet. His sharp rebuttals, laced with facts, were described by BRS leaders as a “masterclass” in political combat.

What was meant to discredit the BRS instead highlighted divisions within Congress and its shaky grasp on facts. The session, far from weakening the Opposition, showcased Harish Rao’s command over irrigation issues and left the ruling benches visibly rattled.