Andhra, Telangana CMs Spar Over Banakacherla

During the 79th Independence Day celebrations today, a war of words broke out between the Chief Ministers of the two Telugu States.

At events held in Hyderabad and Vijayawada, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu exchanged sharp remarks over the use of the Godavari and Krishna river waters.

Naidu said that he was committed to advancing the Banakacherla project, and that he would not back down on the issue.

The AP CM questioned Telangana's opposition to the project, saying no State would suffer any loss from its construction.

"With the construction of the Banakacherla project, we will only use water that would otherwise flow into the sea. We are currently bearing losses due to floodwaters coming from upstream States. Why object to utilising these floodwaters? Should we bear the floods but not use the water?" Naidu asked.

In response, Reddy said that there would be no compromise when it came to securing Telangana's rights over the Krishna and Godavari waters. Strongly rebutting Naidu's remarks, the Telangana CM, speaking at the Golconda Fort, insisted that there would be no retreat on matters of water allocation between the two States, and that the Telangana government would implement a strategic plan to ensure the State's rightful share.

"No matter how many attempts are made by anyone, we will defeat them. We will break any conspiracy and secure Telangana's water share under any circumstances. Once all the needs of Telangana are met, we will provide water to other States," the Telangana CM said, and added that he was confident that Telangana would secure its due share of the waters.