By In response to the Union Minister’s criticism, BRS leaders emphasized the immense benefits that the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project has brought to the state. They highlighted that the project, one of the largest of its kind in Asia, was completed in record time and has been instrumental in irrigating over 45 lakh acres of farmland, improving groundwater levels, and ensuring water availability to drought-prone areas.
“The Kaleshwaram project has been a game-changer for Telangana farmers,” said a senior BRS spokesperson. “To call it a failure is not only irresponsible but also an insult to the engineering talent and workforce who made it possible. Mr. Sanjay’s comments are clearly aimed at scoring political points, without understanding the technical depth or long-term vision of this initiative.”
Party leaders also pointed out that major infrastructure projects of this scale may occasionally face operational challenges, but that doesn’t warrant calling the entire project flawed. They noted that the state government has already undertaken repairs and maintenance work where necessary, and the system is functioning effectively across most regions.
Political Motives Behind the Criticism?
The BRS believes that Bandi Sanjay’s statements are part of a larger political strategy by the BJP to weaken regional parties and undermine state-led development efforts. By targeting key achievements of the Telangana government, the BJP hopes to gain ground in the state ahead of upcoming elections, BRS leaders allege.
They also expressed concern that Union ministers making such remarks could discourage further central support for vital infrastructure projects in the state. “Instead of supporting Telangana’s efforts to build a strong irrigation infrastructure, leaders from the Centre are trying to derail progress with false accusations,” said one MLA from the BRS.
Furthermore, the BRS pointed out that the Kaleshwaram project had received several awards and accolades at the national level for its innovative design and scale. The project has been studied by engineers and planners from other states and even internationally recognized as a model for large-scale water management.
Public Reactions and Expert Opinions
The political war of words has also drawn reactions from civil society, irrigation experts, and farmers’ unions. While opinions are divided, many in the farming community continue to back the Kaleshwaram project, citing its tangible benefits.
“I’m from a village that never had assured irrigation before Kaleshwaram. Today, we get water even in dry months. That’s the truth we live,” said a farmer from Karimnagar. Others acknowledged that while there have been technical issues, they believe such glitches are not uncommon in mega projects and can be resolved through proper maintenance.
Experts have also weighed in, suggesting that political discourse around such projects should be rooted in facts and technical evaluations rather than rhetoric. “It’s important to review any project with data and independent audits, not just political agendas,” said a Hyderabad-based civil engineer.
BRS Urges Centre to Cooperate, Not Criticize
In closing, BRS leaders urged the Union government to adopt a cooperative approach and support Telangana in resolving any remaining technical issues in Kaleshwaram. They called on Union Minister Bandi Sanjay to withdraw his statements and engage in constructive dialogue instead of confrontation.
“The Kaleshwaram project is not about one party or one government. It’s a lifeline for millions. We hope the Centre recognizes its importance and works with us, not against us,” said a BRS statement.
As the political sparring continues, the focus remains on whether developmental issues will take precedence over political rivalry — something that both farmers and citizens are keenly watching.
BRS Slams Union Minister Bandi Sanjay for Making Misleading Statements on Kaleshwaram Project
The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) has issued a strong condemnation of recent comments made by Union Minister Bandi Sanjay, who criticized the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project and accused the Telangana government of irregularities. The BRS leadership called the remarks “irresponsible, baseless, and politically driven” and asserted that the statements were intended to damage public perception of one of Telangana’s most ambitious infrastructure initiatives.
Bandi Sanjay, speaking at a public forum, alleged that the Kaleshwaram project was marred by design flaws, financial mismanagement, and equipment failures. He also claimed that several key components of the project had broken down, resulting in service interruptions and a waste of public resources. The remarks drew sharp reactions from BRS leaders, engineers, and supporters, who see the Kaleshwaram project as a symbol of Telangana’s progress and innovation.
BRS Defends the Project’s Legacy and Performance
Senior BRS officials held a press briefing to rebut each of the Minister’s claims and provide a comprehensive overview of the project’s scope, accomplishments, and ongoing operational success. They emphasized that Kaleshwaram has provided irrigation to large swathes of farmland, increased crop productivity, boosted farmer incomes, and brought economic development to regions that previously struggled with water scarcity.
“The Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme is not just a project—it is a lifeline for Telangana. The Union Minister’s attempts to malign it, without a shred of evidence, are not only misleading but deeply disrespectful to the people who have benefited from it,” said a senior BRS legislator.
BRS also stated that several engineering institutions have studied and praised the project for its scale and design. The project is regarded as one of the most complex irrigation systems in the world, with multi-stage lift mechanisms and vast water distribution channels stretching across several districts. Party leaders argued that it is natural for technical infrastructure of this magnitude to require periodic maintenance, but that does not equate to project failure.
Concerns Over Political Agendas Behind the Remarks
The BRS accused Bandi Sanjay and the BJP leadership of playing politics with a developmental issue. They argued that the attack on Kaleshwaram was not based on facts or assessments but was part of a broader strategy to discredit the Telangana state government ahead of future elections.
According to BRS spokespersons, the BJP’s criticisms are part of a pattern of undermining regional successes and projecting a negative narrative to shift public opinion. They highlighted that no formal inquiry or central investigation has ever proven wrongdoing in the project, despite repeated political targeting.
“This is a clear case of political one-upmanship. Instead of acknowledging the progress Telangana has made through projects like Kaleshwaram, central leaders are trying to twist facts to suit their narratives,” said a senior leader of the BRS.
Impact of Kaleshwaram on Telangana’s Agrarian Economy
Experts and locals alike have noted the substantial impact the project has had on Telangana’s agricultural sector. Since the implementation of the Kaleshwaram scheme, several once-drought-hit regions have seen a turnaround in water availability. This has enabled farmers to grow multiple crops, reduce dependency on borewells, and stabilize their income.
Increased irrigation has led to improved ground water recharge, and the presence of water in reservoirs and canals has also benefited livestock, aquaculture, and domestic use. The project has contributed to the development of allied industries and has become an integral part of rural livelihood in Telangana.
“Irrigation is no longer a dream for us—it’s a daily reality. Our fields are greener, and our future more secure,” said a farmer from Nalgonda district, speaking in defense of the Kaleshwaram project.
Call for Responsible Dialogue and Technical Transparency
In its statement, the BRS urged Union leaders to approach the subject of large-scale infrastructure with responsibility and sincerity. The party welcomed discussions, reviews, and even technical audits if needed, but objected to what it termed as “false propaganda” and politically charged statements.
Several independent voices from engineering circles have echoed this sentiment. They noted that the performance of any large irrigation project should be evaluated based on technical data, environmental impact studies, and long-term outcomes—not political opinions.
“There is always room for improvements in a project of this size. But to label it a failure based on isolated events is neither fair nor factual,” remarked a retired irrigation engineer from Hyderabad.
Conclusion
The debate over the Kaleshwaram project has once again highlighted the intersection of politics and public infrastructure. While the BRS defends the project as a milestone in Telangana’s development journey, BJP leaders like Bandi Sanjay continue to question its integrity and effectiveness. As the war of words continues, what remains crucial is an honest, data-driven conversation that prioritizes the interests of farmers and the future of water security in the region.
For now, the people of Telangana watch closely as two political forces clash over a project that has transformed the very landscape of their state—both literally and politically.
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