KTR Slams ‘Conspiracy’ Over Kaleshwaram Project Questioning: Alleges BJP-Congress Plot Against KCR

Location: Hyderabad, Telangana
Date: June 11, 2025

KTR Defends Kaleshwaram Project Amid Political Heat

In a strongly worded statement, BRS working president K.T. Rama Rao (KTR) accused both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress of orchestrating a conspiracy around the Kaleshwaram project, targeting former Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR). The remarks came following recent questioning of KCR by investigative authorities concerning aspects of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme (KLIS), one of the largest infrastructure projects in the country.

Speaking at a press interaction in Hyderabad, KTR expressed deep concern over what he called a politically motivated campaign aimed at discrediting a landmark development initiative that has benefitted lakhs of farmers in Telangana. “Both BJP and Congress are conspiring against him. The Kaleshwaram project is not just an engineering marvel but a lifeline for Telangana’s agricultural sector,” KTR stated.

Kaleshwaram Project Becomes Flashpoint in Telangana Politics

The Kaleshwaram project, envisioned and executed under the leadership of KCR during his tenure as Chief Minister, was developed to lift water from the Godavari River and supply it to drought-prone regions across Telangana. However, the project has recently come under scrutiny over alleged cost escalations and engineering faults.

Opposition parties, including BJP and Congress, have raised questions regarding transparency and feasibility. KTR, however, dismissed these concerns as “fabricated narratives” driven by political vendetta.

He emphasized that while constructive criticism and audits are welcome, targeting a leader who has consistently worked for the betterment of Telangana is both unjust and dangerous. “This isn’t about facts. It’s about a calculated political conspiracy around the Kaleshwaram project. They want to diminish its legacy by raising baseless allegations,” he added.

KCR’s Silence and BRS’s Strategy

While KCR has remained silent on the recent developments, BRS has stood firmly behind its leader. The party has called the ongoing probe into the Kaleshwaram project a classic example of misuse of investigative agencies to harass political opponents.

KTR indicated that the party will respond legally and politically to what he described as an “assault on Telangana’s self-respect.” He reiterated that the Kaleshwaram project has not only transformed irrigation infrastructure but also created thousands of employment opportunities, improved ground water levels, and rejuvenated tanks under the Mission Kakatiya program.

Development or Distraction?

Supporters of BRS view the controversy surrounding the Kaleshwaram project as a distraction from the real issues that Telangana faces today under the Congress-led state government. “This is clearly an attempt to divert public attention from the governance failures of the current administration,” said a BRS MLA, echoing KTR’s claims.

He argued that targeting KCR—a leader who successfully fought for statehood and later laid the groundwork for economic and social development—is nothing short of betrayal.

KTR Vows Legal and Political Counteraction

KTR confirmed that the party is preparing a detailed white paper showcasing the benefits, achievements, and transparency measures of the Kaleshwaram project. He also announced plans to mobilize public support through district-level awareness campaigns to educate citizens on the reality behind the allegations.

“This is a people’s project. No amount of political conspiracy around the Kaleshwaram project can erase its impact or legacy,” KTR concluded.

Conclusion

As political temperatures rise in Telangana, the Kaleshwaram project has become a central theme in the ongoing war of words between BRS, BJP, and Congress. While the truth behind the allegations remains to be established through due process, what remains clear is that the project has become more than a development initiative—it has become a symbol of political identity and regional pride.

With KTR taking a firm stance, the BRS looks poised to make the Kaleshwaram project a rallying point for political resurgence in the state.