Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy’s recent claim that he persuaded Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu to halt the Rayalaseema Lift Irrigation Project (RLIP) on the Krishna River has sparked a major political storm in Andhra Pradesh. The statement has provided fresh ammunition to YSR Congress Party president and former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, who launched a scathing attack on Naidu over the issue.
Addressing the media at the YSRCP central office in Tadepalli on Thursday, Jagan accused Chandrababu Naidu of betraying the interests of Rayalaseema farmers and compromising the state’s future for political convenience. Reacting strongly to Revanth Reddy’s remarks in the Telangana Assembly, Jagan said the statement exposed a “secret understanding” between the two chief ministers.
“If Revanth Reddy openly says that he pressured Chandrababu Naidu and got the Rayalaseema Lift works stopped, then his words are clear proof of a backdoor deal. Chandrababu Naidu has sold out Andhra Pradesh’s interests,” Jagan alleged.
Jagan further criticised Naidu and his irrigation minister for what he described as insensitive and inhuman remarks regarding a project crucial for the drought-prone Rayalaseema region. “When I hear their statements, I seriously wonder whether they even understand the suffering of the people. Their words reflect a cruel and indifferent mindset,” he said.
Calling the Rayalaseema Lift Irrigation Project an “insurance policy” for a region that often struggles even for drinking water, Jagan said the project was conceived with a noble objective to safeguard farmers and ensure water security. He accused Naidu of “stabbing Rayalaseema in the back” purely for political gain.
“For the sake of his selfish politics, Chandrababu Naidu has mortgaged the future of the people of Andhra Pradesh. There cannot be more disgraceful leadership than this,” Jagan charged.
The former chief minister also pointed out that instead of condemning Revanth Reddy’s claims, Naidu and his party leaders went to the extent of stating that the Rayalaseema Lift project was not even necessary. “That itself exposes their mindset and priorities,” he added.
Jagan demanded that the full truth behind the Rayalaseema Lift Irrigation Project and its alleged stalling be placed before the public, asserting that the people of Andhra Pradesh deserve to know how the state’s vital interests were compromised.
