Hyderabad: The Telangana Assembly session beginning today is set to be a stormy one, with the judicial commission report on the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP) expected to dominate proceedings. Governor Jishnu Dev Varma has summoned both the Assembly and the Legislative Council to meet at 10:30 a.m.
Kaleshwaram Report in Spotlight
The State Cabinet, earlier this month, accepted the findings of the judicial commission that held former Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao “directly and vicariously responsible” for lapses and irregularities in the multi-crore irrigation project.
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy said the government would debate the report in the House and decide on future action.
However, BRS leader and MLA T. Harish Rao slammed the release of the report’s 60-page summary, dismissing it as “false” and “politically motivated.”
The Kaleshwaram project, built on the Godavari River in Bhupalpally district, had become a major election issue in 2023 after structural damages to its barrages were reported.
Flooding and Rain Damage
Heavy rains since August 27 have triggered flooding in low-lying areas, damaging agricultural lands across districts. Lawmakers are expected to press the government for relief measures and long-term flood mitigation steps during the session.
Farmers’ Anger Over Urea Shortage
A persistent shortage of urea fertiliser has sparked farmer protests in several districts. The issue is likely to see heated debate, with the opposition targeting the government over supply bottlenecks ahead of the sowing season.
BC Quota Bills Pending Approval
Two key Bills granting 42% reservation to Backward Classes (BCs) in local bodies, education, and employment are also expected to come up for discussion. These Bills await Presidential assent, with CM Revanth Reddy earlier accusing the BJP-led Centre of deliberately delaying approval.
What to Expect
With multiple contentious issues on the agenda — from Kaleshwaram accountability to agrarian distress and reservation policies — the Assembly session is expected to be highly charged. All eyes will be on how the government addresses the opposition’s criticisms while pushing forward its own legislative priorities.