A massive war of words has erupted in Telangana after Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy made controversial remarks about Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leaders over the state’s irrigation crisis, prompting the opposition to accuse him of using inflammatory language instead of addressing farmers’ concerns.
The controversy unfolded when a journalist asked the Chief Minister how farmers would cope if drought-like conditions persisted and irrigation water remained unavailable for crops.
Responding to the question, Revanth Reddy launched a blistering attack on the opposition BRS leadership.
“Ask them (BRS leaders KTR & Harish Rao) to go there (Kaleshwaram) and jump into the water, tying a stone to themselves. We will lose the ‘Shani’ (bad luck). They have committed sins and are roaming around, lying to people. This is unfortunate. KCR is ashamed and is in the farmhouse. These (KTR & Harish Rao) are shameless,” the Chief Minister said.
“If you cut them (BRS leaders) and spill their blood on the farms, farmers will be able to cultivate their crops. Their ego and fat will be enough for the crops,” he added.
Reddy went on to say, “They are being too smart. They need belt treatment. If you want, you can go and see them or send some experts. We will bear the expenses. Because they are lying.”
The remarks come amid an escalating political battle over the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project. The BRS has been demanding that the Congress government release irrigation water from the Kannepalli pump house, claiming there is sufficient water available for farmers despite the prevailing dry spell.
The Revanth Reddy-led government, however, has maintained that it will proceed only in accordance with the recommendations of the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA), which has advised against storing water in the project’s barrages until safety concerns are addressed.
Defending the handling of the irrigation issue, Revanth Reddy said efforts were underway to restore the project.
“Don’t politicise these projects… They (BRS leaders) burn with lies and corruption. They are looters and cheaters. This is my official statement on the KCR family,” he said.
The BRS, however, reacted sharply to the Chief Minister’s comments, accusing him of insulting farmers and using language unbecoming of a constitutional office.
Party MLA and former Irrigation Minister T Harish Rao demanded an unconditional apology from Revanth Reddy.
“We asked the Chief Minister to provide water to farmers’ fields, but Revanth Reddy says he will pour our blood instead. Is this the kind of language a Chief Minister should use? We ask for water, and Revanth Reddy talks about blood,” he told reporters.
“If you want blood, we will give it… But what we need is water. If, according to you, our blood is the price for providing us water, then we are prepared to give even that,” Harish Rao added.
BRS Working President KT Rama Rao also hit back strongly at the Chief Minister, calling him a “bloodthirsty demon.”
In a scathing response on X, KTR said, “Will you give tears if we ask for water? Bloodthirsty demon! Hasn’t your thirst for blood been quenched yet? Didn’t you drink the blood of Telangana for 60 years by tormenting it?”
Referring to the irrigation row, the KTR said his party was willing to make any sacrifice for farmers but demanded that the government provide water to their fields.
“We’ll send you as much of our blood as you want… but you, give water to the farmers. We are the ones who fought for the state until our ribs cracked. We are ready to shed blood for the farmers, no matter how much. We are the ones who ignited fires in the water and waged water struggles,” he said.
If the harsh Congress government demands blood in exchange for water, we’ll pour out our blood. Quench the thirst of the parched fields that can’t satisfy your bloodlust,”the BRS leader added.
– Ends
