Bhatti Vikramarka Accuses BRS of Corruption in Kaleshwaram Project, Highlights Congress Welfare and Development Agenda
THE JOURNALIST POST
KHAMMAM | July 10, 2026
Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka on Friday alleged that corruption during the previous Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) government led to the failure of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project, while asserting that the Congress government is simultaneously prioritising development and welfare across Telangana.
Addressing the Rythu Ashirwada Sabha at Jagannadhapuram in Chintakani Mandal of Khammam district, Bhatti Vikramarka said the multipurpose irrigation projects constructed by successive Congress governments decades ago continue to serve the people by providing irrigation and drinking water.
He said projects such as Nagarjuna Sagar, Srisailam, Jurala, Sri Ram Sagar and Sripada Yellampalli remain fully functional and continue to supply water from the Krishna and Godavari rivers to lakhs of farmers and households.
In contrast, the Deputy Chief Minister alleged that the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project collapsed because of corruption during the previous BRS regime. He claimed that although more than ₹1 lakh crore was spent on the project, it failed to provide the intended benefits to the people.
Bhatti Vikramarka further alleged that the original Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Pranahita Project, initially estimated at around ₹27,000 crore, was redesigned and its cost escalated to nearly ₹1.47 lakh crore, leading to large-scale financial irregularities. He accused the previous government of misleading the public through redesigns of major irrigation projects and alleged that huge public funds were misappropriated under the guise of constructing barrages on the Godavari River.
The Deputy Chief Minister also claimed that the redesigned Sitarama Project did not deliver irrigation benefits during the previous government’s tenure and alleged that former BRS leaders are now using social media and sections of the media to spread misinformation in an attempt to divert attention from the controversies surrounding the irrigation projects.
Appealing to the public not to be influenced by what he described as “false propaganda,” Bhatti Vikramarka said the Congress government is focused on transparent governance, development and public welfare rather than political campaigns.
Highlighting the government’s welfare initiatives, he announced the implementation of the ₹5 lakh Indiramma Bheema insurance scheme, which is intended to provide insurance coverage to 1.15 crore families across Telangana. He said the objective is to ensure that no eligible family is left without social security.
The Deputy Chief Minister said that despite inheriting a heavy debt burden from the previous administration, the Congress government is continuing to clear salaries, pending bills and debt obligations while simultaneously implementing welfare programmes.
He also highlighted several initiatives in education and nutrition, including the provision of breakfast, milk and ragi malt to nearly 27 lakh students studying in government schools. The government, he said, is also expanding welfare programmes for women, farmers, students and economically weaker sections while maintaining fiscal discipline.
Bhatti Vikramarka asserted that the Congress government has rescued Telangana from financial distress and is steering the State towards sustainable development through transparent administration, infrastructure expansion and comprehensive welfare measures.
He concluded by stating that the government would continue to focus on development and public welfare while responding to criticism from the opposition through its performance and governance.
