BRS Drowning In Kaleshwaram, ‘Andhra’ Life Jacket?

The Telangana Assembly recently held a long discussion on the PC Ghose Commission’s report on the Kaleshwaram Project. Following the debate, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy surprised the Opposition by announcing a CBI inquiry into the issue.

Revanth clarified that a CBI investigation is fair and neutral, as the CBI does not work under the Congress. However, this move has created concern within the BRS camp.

The BRS is reportedly worried that the BJP may use this inquiry to target its senior leaders and occupy the Opposition space in Telangana. In response, KTR held a teleconference with party district leaders, instructing them to organise dharnas, rasta rokos, and bike rallies.

KTR accused the Congress and BJP of conspiring to shut down the Kaleshwaram Project permanently and divert river water to Andhra Pradesh. He called on party workers to strongly resist this “conspiracy”.

But what is the “Andhra angle” here?

Critics say BRS is becoming desperate. Revanth Reddy is a Telangana politician whose future lies within the state. What benefit would he gain from diverting Telangana’s water to Andhra Pradesh?

Over the past few months, BRS leaders have repeatedly brought up Andhra Pradesh and Chandrababu Naidu in Telangana politics. They believe invoking Andhra sentiment could help them revive public support.

However, political analysts say the “Andhra” and “Chandrababu Naidu” cards failed during the 2023 Assembly elections and have lost their impact.

Ironically, KTR was known for his close ties with Andhra businessmen and contractors during BRS’s time in power. Now, he seems to be creating imaginary threats using the same Andhra narrative.

Observers feel that the overuse of these tactics only highlights the BRS’s political anxiety.

The CBI probe could be a clever political move by Revanth Reddy. He isn’t likely to arrest KCR or Harish Rao, avoiding any claims of political vendetta.

If the CBI arrests KCR, it would serve Revanth’s purpose without direct involvement. If not, he could still accuse the BJP and BRS of forming a nexus similar to how the Centre slowed down cases against Jagan Mohan Reddy.