The ₹1 lakh crore Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project has faced allegations of corruption and procedural lapses during its execution under the previous BRS government. The BJP, which had demanded a CBI probe, criticised the delay, while the BRS dismissed the commission’s report and accused the Congress and BJP of acting in concert.
Kavitha Says “KCR Is Being Scapegoated”
Responding to the development, BRS MLC Kalvakuntla Kavitha defended former Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR), alleging that senior leaders Harish Rao and Santosh Rao played a key role in the project and claiming that CM Revanth Reddy is protecting them.
“KCR is being made a scapegoat in the Kaleshwaram case. Harish Rao and Santosh Rao are the real beneficiaries,” she said, adding that the removal of Harish Rao as Irrigation Minister was linked to the alleged irregularities. Kavitha, visibly emotional, said her family is pained by what she termed a political targeting of KCR.
What the CBI Will Probe
With the case transferred to the CBI, the central agency will examine potential financial irregularities, contract awards, design and construction issues, and overall project governance. The probe into one of India’s costliest irrigation projects is expected to intensify the political tussle among the Congress, BRS and BJP in Telangana.
