For the second consecutive day, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) President K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) huddled with top party leaders at his Erravalli farmhouse, strategizing a robust response to Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh’s provocative remarks on the Banakacherla project. The high-stakes meeting was attended by KTR, Harish Rao and other senior leaders, Following the discussions, former Minister T. Harish rushed to Telangana Bhavan to address a fiery press meet, slamming Lokesh’s comments and exposing what he called a “conspiracy” against Telangana’s interests.

Harish accused the Congress-led Telangana government under Chief Minister Revanth of colluding with AP’s Chandrababu Naidu and the BJP-led Centre, enabling Lokesh’s audacious claims. “Revanth’s silence has emboldened Naidu to dictate terms, while both state and central governments have failed to block Banakacherla,” Harish charged. He alleged a “shady deal” between Revanth and Naidu, pointing to Revanth’s participation in a committee on Banakacherla despite his chief secretary’s reluctance. Harish questioned why Revanth’s government, with eight Congress and eight BJP MPs, hasn’t raised the issue in Parliament, accusing them of betraying Telangana.

Lokesh, defending Banakacherla, claimed surplus Godavari waters justify the project and accused Telangana leaders of stoking regional discord. He asserted AP’s right to build the project, citing central government support, while denying obstructing Telangana’s projects like Kaleshwaram. Harish dismissed Lokesh’s claims, revealing that four central agencies—Polavaram Authority, Godavari Board, CWC, and Environment Ministry—rejected Banakacherla’s DPR, questioning the project’s legitimacy. “If surplus waters exist, why were AP’s DPRs returned? Where’s the allocation for Telangana?” Harish demanded.

Harish emphasized KCR’s legacy of securing Telangana’s water rights, recalling his negotiations with Maharashtra for Kaleshwaram, which holds all necessary clearances. He accused AP of a “bulldozing policy” to divert Godavari and Krishna waters, violating tribunal norms. “BRS won’t sit idle. We’ll fight in the Supreme Court if needed,” Harish vowed, urging Lokesh to withdraw AP’s objections to Telangana’s 968 TMC water share and Godavari projects.