Jagadish Reddy Flays Jagan Regime Over Krishna Row

Telangana Power Minister G Jagadish Reddy today launched a scathing attack on the Andhra Pradesh government for allegedly trying to mislead the Telugu people on the issue of the ongoing row between the two states over the sharing of the waters of the Krishna by "spreading lies".

Speaking to the media, the minister, displeased by the Jagan government's decision to write to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the issue, claimed, "The Centre has to address the longstanding water feud between our state and AP. It must do right by the people of Telangana since it is clear to all that the government of AP is trying to loot our share of the waters from the Krishna basin by illegally widening canals and increasing the drawing capacity of its projects. Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao is committed to protecting our rights to the waters and to generate power using the same. We will all defend these rights."

"We will produce power as per the relevant norms, and we will also secure our share of water. What puzzles me is the Jagan regime's sudden decision to approach the Centre for help when it is the one that has been violating the rules and guidelines of establishing and running irrigation projects. AP has violated several rules and now the state's administration is misguiding the Telugu people by claiming that it is Telangana who has erected illegal irrigation projects. It should stop its misinformation campaign against our projects which comply with all the requisite requirements and norms. Our government will move court if justice is not done by the Centre in the matter," he added.

The minister then demanded that the Centre immediately direct the AP administration to follow all the guidelines and orders of the National Green Tribunal and the Krishna River Management Board, and to stop the illegal construction of all irrigation works.

He advised the government of the neighbouring state to allow official inspection teams to take stock of its projects. He also asserted that there was nothing wrong with producing power as per the stipulated norms for the same and that Telangana would not give up its rightful share of the Krishna waters.