TRS Regime Against "Anti-State" Plans: Minister

Telangana Roads & Buildings and Assembly Affairs Minister V Prashanth Reddy today lashed out at the parties of the Opposition for alleging that the state government was not taking a stand on the "illegal" irrigation projects that had been undertaken by neighbouring Andhra Pradesh.

Addressing a press conference, Reddy said, "Our government is making continuous efforts to stall all the works that affect our interests negatively. However, the leaders of the Congress and the BJP are adopting double standards on the issue of irrigation projects. The YSR government of undivided AP had snatched our share of waters. Various leaders from the Telangana region had even supported this. A BJP leader, who was then a part of the YSR Cabinet, D K Aruna, had performed pujas during the ceremonial release of water. Even senior Congress leader Ponnala Lakshmaiah had broken a coconut during the release of waters to AP. How are these same leaders then raising such a hue and cry about our government's stand on the water issue today? Can they not see that we are trying our best to stall projects that will deprive us of our rightful share of water?"

Continuing his attack, the leader claimed, "Erstwhile AP CM Y S Rajasekhar Reddy had raised the capacity of canals carrying water into AP from 11,500 cusecs to 44,000 cusecs. But, at that point, no Congress leaders had dared to question the move. Further, when BJP leaders in AP talk in favour of their state and their government, shouldn't the leaders of the saffron party in our state do the same? They must move court and fight for our rightful share of water. The leaders of both parties should fight the issue in court. This way, they too can contribute to stopping the illegal irrigations projects of AP."

"I demand that the government of AP should stop the construction works of the irrigation projects that are in violation of the directions and norms of the National Green Tribunal (NGT). The Rayalaseema lift irrigation project and the Pothireddipadu expansion works are being continued even though the NGT has issued stay orders on the same. This is extremely objectionable. We have urged the Centre repeatedly to stop such illegal projects. Following this, the Centre too has told the AP government to stall the works. The Jagan government should stop looting our waters at least now," he added.