Daijiworld Media Network – Hyderabad
Hyderabad, Jul 13: A political storm has erupted in Telangana after Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy made controversial remarks targeting leaders of the opposition Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) during a discussion on the state's irrigation crisis, prompting the party to accuse him of using inflammatory language instead of addressing farmers' concerns.
The controversy began when a journalist asked the Chief Minister how farmers would cope if drought-like conditions persisted and irrigation water remained unavailable for cultivation.
In response, Revanth Reddy launched a sharp attack on BRS leaders, including K. T. Rama Rao and T. Harish Rao.
"Ask them (BRS leaders KTR and Harish Rao) to go there (Kaleshwaram) and jump into the water, tying a stone to themselves. We will lose the 'Shani' (bad luck). They have committed sins and are roaming around, lying to people. This is unfortunate. KCR is ashamed and is in the farmhouse. These (KTR and Harish Rao) are shameless," the Chief Minister said.
He further remarked, "If you cut them (BRS leaders) and spill their blood on the farms, farmers will be able to cultivate their crops. Their ego and fat will be enough for the crops."
Revanth Reddy also said the opposition leaders "need belt treatment" and accused them of misleading the public.
The remarks come amid an intensifying political dispute over the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project. The BRS has been demanding that the Congress government release irrigation water from the Kannepalli pump house, arguing that sufficient water is available despite the prevailing dry conditions.
The state government, however, has maintained that it will act only in accordance with the recommendations of the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA), which has advised against storing water in the project's barrages until safety concerns are resolved.
Defending his government's handling of the issue, Revanth Reddy said efforts were underway to restore the irrigation project and urged the opposition not to politicise it.
"Don't politicise these projects... They (BRS leaders) burn with lies and corruption. They are looters and cheaters. This is my official statement on the KCR family," he said.
The BRS reacted strongly, accusing the Chief Minister of using language unbecoming of a constitutional office and insulting farmers.
Harish Rao demanded an unconditional apology from Revanth Reddy.
"We asked the Chief Minister to provide water to farmers' fields, but Revanth Reddy says he will pour our blood instead. Is this the kind of language a Chief Minister should use? We ask for water, and Revanth Reddy talks about blood," he told reporters.
"If you want blood, we will give it. But what we need is water. If, according to you, our blood is the price for providing us water, then we are prepared to give even that," he added.
K.T. Rama Rao also criticised the Chief Minister, describing him as a "bloodthirsty demon."
In a post on X, KTR said, "Will you give tears if we ask for water? Bloodthirsty demon! Hasn't your thirst for blood been quenched yet? Didn't you drink the blood of Telangana for 60 years by tormenting it?"
He added that the BRS was prepared to make any sacrifice for farmers but insisted that the government should ensure irrigation water reached their fields.
"We'll send you as much of our blood as you want, but you give water to the farmers. We are the ones who fought for the state until our ribs cracked. We are ready to shed blood for the farmers, no matter how much. We are the ones who ignited fires in the water and waged water struggles," he said.
"If the Congress government demands blood in exchange for water, we'll pour out our blood. Quench the thirst of the parched fields that can't satisfy your bloodlust," KTR added.