Harish Rao Tears Into Revanth Reddy’s Claims on Kaleshwaram, Mallanna Sagar

Senior BRS leader T Harish Rao has launched a blistering attack on Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, accusing the Congress government of twisting facts and claiming undue credit for irrigation projects completed under the BRS. Speaking at a press meet, Harish Rao defended the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project and Mallanna Sagar reservoir, describing them as visionary projects executed during the BRS regime.

He ridiculed Revanth’s claims that the Congress government had built the Yellampalli project and related reservoirs. Harish pointed out that BRS spent over ₹2,000 crore to finish Yellampalli in 2016, expanding its capacity to 20 TMCft after the Congress had abandoned key rehabilitation works. He also explained that the water supply to Hyderabad—boasted by Revanth—was in fact sourced through the larger Kaleshwaram network, including Medaram, Mid-Manair, Ananthagiri, and Ranganayaka Sagar.

On Mallanna Sagar, Harish Rao stressed that it was built with a massive 50 TMCft capacity to secure Hyderabad’s long-term water needs, unlike the Congress’s earlier rejected plan of just 5 TMCft. “It was KCR who built Mallanna Sagar as part of the world’s largest lift irrigation project. Without it, Hyderabad would not have water security today,” he said.

Harish also highlighted the comprehensive relief and rehabilitation given to displaced families under BRS, contrasting it with Congress’s inadequate support in projects like Musi Riverfront demolition. He accused the government of contradictory behavior—while some ministers deride Kaleshwaram, others publicly use its water for new schemes.

Calling Revanth a “habitual liar,” Harish released old Assembly footage where Revanth himself admitted Congress had not executed works under Pranahita-Chevella despite spending crores. He also questioned the feasibility of Revanth’s claim to bring 20 additional TMCft from Yellampalli, terming it “reckless and technically impossible.”

The fiery counterattack signals that irrigation politics remains central to Telangana’s political narrative, with BRS determined to defend its legacy.