Assembly clears CBI probe into Kaleshwaram, Revanth Reddy blames KCR for ₹1 lakh crore scam
Hyderabad: The Telangana Assembly on Sunday approved a CBI probe into irregularities in the Kaleshwaram project. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy declared that his government would act against those responsible for what he called a ₹1 lakh crore scam. The decision followed a detailed debate on the Justice P.C. Ghose Commission report.
Revanth Reddy argued that the scale of corruption required an independent investigation. Since several national agencies and interstate institutions were linked, he insisted that only the CBI could handle the case. He accused the previous BRS government of looting public money by inflating estimates and shifting sites for personal gain.
Revanth Reddy details role of KCR and Harish Rao
The Chief Minister alleged that KCR redesigned the original Pranahita–Chevella project into Kaleshwaram to enable misuse of funds. “Even after spending ₹11,670 crore on Pranahita–Chevella, KCR shifted it to Medigadda under the pretext of redesign,” he said.
Furthermore, he cited reports from the NDSA, Vigilance, CAG, and the Ghose Commission that highlighted serious flaws and financial irregularities. “If we had built the barrage at Tummidihatti, costs and power use would have remained much lower,” he noted.
Revanth Reddy also charged that KCR changed the project location either to outshine the Nizam or under family pressure. “KCR and Harish Rao ignored expert advice and buried committee warnings,” he said.
Medigadda flagged, Commission report to guide action
The Chief Minister reminded the House that retired engineer Anantha Ramulu had warned against constructing the barrage at Medigadda. He stressed that Maharashtra did not oppose Tummidihatti. “They only asked us to reduce the height to avoid submergence,” he clarified.
Meanwhile, Chief Engineer Hariram raised similar concerns. “Despite this advice, the BRS government pushed ahead, motivated by greed,” Revanth added.
He emphasised that the Ghose Commission served only as a fact-finding body and held no enforcement powers. Therefore, he explained, the government would take further steps based on its findings. “By giving the case to the CBI, we removed every doubt about fairness,” he said.
CM rebuts Harish Rao, defends process
Later, responding to criticism from Harish Rao and KCR, Revanth Reddy said their legal challenge aimed only to avoid accountability. “They claim the Commission did not issue 8(b) or 8(c) notices. Yet inquiry panels in other cases followed the same process. Their defence is diversionary,” he argued.
He demanded that the Assembly strike off Harish Rao’s remarks, accusing him of misleading the House. “The Ghose Commission names Harish Rao directly in its findings – on pages 63, 64, 65, and 98,” he said.