Harish Rao Submits More Data To P C Ghosh Panel

BRS MLA and former minister Harish Rao today submitted additional information to the P C Ghosh Commission, which is investigating alleged irregularities in the Kaleshwaram lift irrigation project.

Speaking to the media later at BRK Bhavan, Rao said that he had submitted a detailed note to the Commission as supplementary information.

"As per the records, the Medigadda, Annaram and Sundilla barrages had six separate Cabinet approvals. I have submitted all the six Cabinet approval documents to the Commission. In addition, there were three occasions when the Legislative Assembly endorsed the projects. Legislative approvals carry even greater weight than the Cabinet approvals. We have also provided details of the discussions and approvals that took place during those sessions," he said.

"Since the Commission's inquiry is still ongoing, I cannot publicly disclose all the details at this time. When the time is right, we will present everything in full," he added.

Attacking the Congress government, Rao also said, "There are more records, but the government is refusing to give them to us despite repeated requests. If the current government truly believes in transparency, why are they withholding these documents? This raises serious doubts - they may be providing selective or misleading information to the Commission to suit their own agenda."

Responding to the Chief Minister's presentation on irrigation projects, the BRS leader said, "It was not a presentation, but a cover-up aimed at whitewashing 50 years of Congress betrayal in Telangana. Revanth Reddy, out of ignorance and arrogance, made several false claims. He kept repeating the lie about a 'permanent 299:512 water-sharing agreement'. This is a shameless falsehood. He doesn't even understand the difference between temporary water utilisation and permanent allocation. Water utilisation is decided annually by the KRMB, while permanent distribution is determined by the tribunal. Utilisation is for one year only, whereas distribution is permanent. To claim we signed a permanent agreement is an outright lie."

"Even a school student would ask - if KCR had signed a permanent agreement, why would he later fight for Section 3? Why would he demand redistribution of the Krishna waters based on Telangana's 68% catchment area? Just 42 days after Telangana's formation, KCR went to Delhi demanding justice. He met Uma Bharti, Nitin Gadkari and the Prime Minister, and even approached the Supreme Court. It was KCR's tireless efforts that led the tribunal to take up the issue of fair water distribution," Rao added.

He also explained that the escalation in project costs was due to increased storage capacities, expanded ayacut area, higher pumping requirements and land acquisition expenses.

"Every revision was supported by technical assessments and Cabinet approvals," he said.

"If Revanth Reddy has the courage, let him allow a full debate in the Assembly. One condition - don't switch off the microphones or adjourn the House to avoid discussion. We are ready to debate for days if necessary," Rao said.