AP's Banakacherla Project Illegal: Harish Rao

Former minister Harish Rao today issued a strong statement condemning the Union government's support for Andhra Pradesh's proposed Rs 80,000 crore Banakacherla project which aimed to divert Godavari waters in violation of established legal protocols.

He also questioned the Telangana government's silence on the issue, warning that inaction could cost the State dearly.

"The Banakacherla project is being advanced without the mandatory clearances from the River Management Boards, as required under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act. Yet, the Union government has agreed to fund 50% of the project and permitted Andhra Pradesh to borrow the remaining amount beyond FRBM limits. This is not only a violation of the law but also a betrayal of federal fairness," Rao said.

He also criticised the BJP government at the Centre for its "glaring double standards". "When Telangana sought financial support for the Kaleshwaram project, strict FRBM recovery conditions were imposed. In contrast, Andhra Pradesh has been granted sweeping concessions for Banakacherla. This exposes the Centre's political bias," he said.

He also questioned the effectiveness of the Telangana BJP's representation in Delhi. "What is the use of having two Union ministers, eight BJP MPs and eight Congress MPs from Telangana if they remain silent while the State's core interests are being compromised?" he asked.

He also targeted the State government for its "passivity". "This is not just administrative neglect, but a failure of leadership. The government has neither challenged the Centre nor opposed Andhra Pradesh's illegal actions. Telangana cannot afford this kind of political complacency," he said.

Drawing a parallel to the past, Rao recalled the diversion of the Krishna waters through the Pothireddy Padu project during the united Andhra Pradesh era. "History is repeating itself. Then it was Krishna, now it is Godavari. And once again, it is happening under Congress' watch," he said.

With the NITI Aayog meeting on the horizon, Rao urged the Chief Minister to act decisively, and said, "He must raise this issue at the national level, demand an immediate halt to the Banakacherla project, and safeguard Telangana's rightful share of river waters. The people of Telangana expect action, not silence."