Hans News Service Hyderabad

MalkajgiriMP Eatala Rajender on Friday demanded that the State government lift Godavari water without storing it at Medigadda and urged Irrigation Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy to set aside political differences and take constructive steps to address water-related issues.

Addressing the media, Rajender said, “I am a son of Telangana soil and an activist; that is my identity. I will not remain silent when the people of Telangana suffer due to political issues. I will question those responsible.”

Rejecting allegations that he was speaking at someone’s behest, the BJP leader said, “I do not speak because someone prompts me, gives me a script or to please anyone. I have no need to respond to those making such baseless allegations.”

Rajender said he was not interested in criticising the Congress or any other political party but would question those responsible for protecting the interests of Telangana.

He said there was no balancing reservoir for the Devadula Lift Irrigation Scheme, yet water was being pumped without one. “I am not asking for water to be stored at Medigadda. I am asking the government to lift the water that is flowing downstream,” he said.

Warning the government against delaying irrigation measures for political reasons, Rajender said any decision affecting farmers would have serious consequences.

The MP claimed that Hyderabad was already facing a water supply deficit of 107 MGD and questioned how the city would cope if a severe water crisis emerged. He warned that such a situation could put people in Hyderabad, North Telangana, Khammam and Nalgonda in difficulty.

Taking a dig at Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, Rajender said the government would understand the public mood if a water crisis occurred.

“Even KCR was sent home by the people, and the Chief Minister will meet the same fate if the government ignores public concerns,” he cautioned.

He urged the State government to consult irrigation experts and engineers and focus on solutions instead of engaging in political blame games.

Rajender clarified that the BJP had no objection to the recommendations of the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) and appealed to the government not to make baseless allegations.

“For the BJP, it is Nation first, Party next and Individual last. Since I am a son of Telangana soil, for me, it is Telangana first, Party next and Individual last,” he said.