Hyderabad | August 24, 2025:
The political storm over the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project is intensifying as the Congress government prepares to table the Justice P.C. Ghose Committee Report in the upcoming Assembly session. With the report pointing directly at former Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR), the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) is under heavy pressure to defend its stand.
Harish Rao Challenges, But All Eyes on KCR
BRS senior leader T. Harish Rao has already declared that his party will “tear apart” the report in the Assembly. However, political observers believe that only KCR’s direct intervention can create real impact. The Congress government has made it clear that the full report will be placed before the House, studied by all members, and then opened for debate.
Report Puts KCR in Spotlight
According to the Justice Ghose panel, all key decisions regarding the Kaleshwaram project were taken by KCR himself, making him solely responsible for its execution. Since the project was considered his “dream project,” BRS leaders acknowledge that no one else has the same level of knowledge or authority to counter the allegations.
This makes KCR’s Assembly presence inevitable, as his arguments and explanations could shape public opinion. If he remains absent and lets Harish Rao or K.T. Rama Rao take the lead, analysts say the narrative may not resonate strongly with the people.
Congress Prepares Counter-Attack
The Congress, meanwhile, is gearing up for a direct confrontation. Party leaders say they will expose how details were allegedly concealed in the report and how mismanagement led to public losses. Their strategy is to put KCR in the dock, projecting him as the central figure behind every decision.
Why KCR’s Voice Matters
KCR’s words still carry significant weight among Telangana’s electorate. Political analysts suggest that if he confronts the allegations with evidence, he could regain lost ground for BRS. On the other hand, avoiding the debate may create the impression that he has no convincing answers.
Democratic Accountability at Stake
Beyond politics, the Kaleshwaram issue is being seen as a test of democratic accountability. In a democracy, people decide the stature of leaders, and avoiding tough debates only strengthens critics. KCR, once a powerful Assembly leader, may find it difficult to sit as Opposition Leader before Chief Minister Revanth Reddy. Yet, experts warn that personal discomfort cannot outweigh political responsibility.
What’s Next?
BRS circles remain confident that KCR will attend the Assembly, take on the Congress government, and defend his legacy on the Kaleshwaram project. Whether he manages to turn the tide or not will play a decisive role in shaping the future of Telangana politics.
Key Highlights:
- Congress to table Justice P.C. Ghose Report on Kaleshwaram in Assembly.
- Report holds KCR responsible for all key project decisions.
- Harish Rao vows to counter report, but demand grows for KCR’s direct response.
- Congress preparing for an aggressive attack in the House.
- KCR’s presence seen as crucial for BRS’s political future.