■   Former CM KCR is called for cross-examination on June 5, 2025.

■  Former Irrigation Minister T Harish Rao is to be examined on June 6

■   Former Finance Minister/BJP MP Etala Rajender is directed to appear on June 9

metro india news  I hyderabad

The Justice P.C. Ghose Commission, instituted by the Telangana government to investigate widespread allegations of irregularities in the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP), has summoned key figures from the previous Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) government. Notices have been issued to former Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao, former Minister T. Harish Rao, and BJP MP and former Finance Minister Eatala Rajender, directing them to appear before the commission for questioning.

According to the commission’s schedule, KCR has been directed to appear on June 5, Harish Rao on June 6, and Eatala Rajender on June 9. The inquiry is examining their roles in project planning, design, construction oversight, financial approvals, and quality control during their respective tenures. During KCR’s tenure as Chief Minister (2014–2023), Harish Rao held the Irrigation and later Finance portfolios, while Eatala served as Finance Minister from 2014 to 2018.

The commission, chaired by retired Supreme Court Justice P.C. Ghose, was set up in March 2024, following structural failures such as the collapse of piers at the Medigadda barrage, raising serious concerns over the quality, execution, and financial management of the multi-crore flagship irrigation project. The project, which included the Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla barrages, has been under intense scrutiny due to alleged procedural violations, cost escalations, and questionable decision-making by former top officials.

The commission has already reviewed testimonies from over 100 engineers, officials, and contractors, many of whom either admitted to lapses or claimed ignorance of key decisions. Supporting documents from the National Dam Safety Authority, Vigilance Department, and various financial audits have been assessed to understand the scope and scale of irregularities.

To facilitate deeper scrutiny, the Telangana government has extended the commission's tenure until July 31, 2025. The commission’s final report, expected by late July, is anticipated to inform legal and administrative actions, while also setting the foundation for stricter oversight of future infrastructure projects in the state.

Will KCR attend the inquiry? Past Power Inquiry experience casts doubts

As the investigation reaches a critical stage, all eyes are on whether former CM K. Chandrasekhar Rao will appear before the panel. Sources suggest KCR views the summons as a challenge to his stature and might prefer submitting a written explanation instead of attending in person. This mirrors his response during the 2024 power sector inquiry led by Justice L. Narasimha Reddy, which he contested legally, eventually leading to the Supreme Court’s intervention and reassignment of the case to Justice Madan B. Lokur.  In that case, KCR avoided personal deposition by providing a written response—raising speculation that he may follow a similar course in the Kaleshwaram probe.

Eatala Rajender to appear in person: BJP Confirms 

In contrast, BJP MLA Palvai Harish confirmed that Malkajgiri MP Eatala Rajender will appear before the commission on June 9 to fully cooperate and clarify his role in the project’s financial oversight. Addressing the media, Harish expressed concerns over the Congress-led government’s sincerity in exposing the truth, suggesting that repeated extensions of the inquiry's timeline raise doubts about its intentions. Nonetheless, the MLA reiterated his party’s commitment to transparency and stated that Eatala’s cooperation with the inquiry reflects this principle.