Revanth says Banakacherla project not discussed, will visit Delhi twice a month to protect Telangana’s interests

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy clarified that the Jal Shakti Ministry itself confirmed there was no discussion on the Banakacherla project during the inter-State meeting on Wednesday (July 16, 2025) where both the Telangana and Andhra Pradesh Chief Ministers participated in the presence of Union Jal Shakthi Minister C.R. Patil.

“How can problems be solved without discussions with the Centre?” questioned Mr. Revanth. “Even India and Pakistan hold talks on water distribution. What’s wrong if I speak to the neighbouring State’s CM? This is about the people’s interests, not political showmanship,” he said in an informal interaction with reporters in New Delhi on Thursday (July 17, 2025).

Taking a swipe at the Bharat Rashtra Samiti (BRS), he said, “I am not an engineer. Decisions will come after technical studies. People gave me the authority to work with the Central government. Should I go to farmhouse or New Delhi to get the issues resolved?” he asked, taking a jibe at former Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao.

He also announced his intent to visit New Delhi twice a month to work in coordination with various Union Ministries, as continuous dialogue with the Centre was essential to protect Telangana’s interests, particularly on crucial issues like water sharing.

Telangana CM plans to meet Maharashtra CM

Mr. Reddy also confirmed plans to meet the Maharashtra Chief Minister on the Tummidihatti project soon. “When KCR met with Chandrababu and Jaganmohan Reddy, he claimed it as a victory. Now they say it’s wrong if I meet them [A.P. leaders]. If I don’t attend these meetings, who will present Telangana’s case before the Centre?,” he asked.

Continuing his attack on the BRS leadership, Mr. Reddy alleged that BRS working president K.T. Rama Rao’s close circles were involved in drug abuse. “KTR’s friend Kedar died of a drug overdose in Dubai, and we secured the forensic report to Telangana,” he claimed.

The Chief Minister further attacked KTR saying that his sister K. Kavitha was not willing to accept her brother’s leadership and has exposed the internal bickering. “KTR ran away when I challenged him for a debate in the past.”

The Chief Minister also questioned the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) inaction, despite evidence, in cases like the sheep distribution scam, Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) irregularities, and the Formula E race. “The ED has taken the evidence we gathered, yet there is no arrest of KCR, KTR or Harish Rao,” he said, accusing the Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy of not following up with the concerned Ministry.

On the ongoing investigations in Telangana, he said investigations against KCR, KTR, and Harish Rao will continue. “The High Court is looking into the phone-tapping issue,” he said.