A political storm has broken out in Telangana after Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy made a series of controversial remarks targeting Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leaders during a discussion on the state's irrigation crisis, drawing sharp criticism from the opposition.
The exchange began when a journalist asked the Chief Minister how farmers would manage if drought-like conditions continued and irrigation water remained unavailable for cultivation.
In response, Revanth Reddy launched a scathing attack on senior BRS leaders.
"Ask them (BRS leaders KTR & Harish Rao) to go there (Kaleshwaram) and jump into the water, tying a stone to themselves. We will lose the 'Shani' (bad luck). They have committed sins and are roaming around, lying to people. This is unfortunate. KCR is ashamed and is in the farmhouse. These (KTR & Harish Rao) are shameless," the Chief Minister said.
"If you cut them (BRS leaders) and spill their blood on the farms, farmers will be able to cultivate their crops. Their ego and fat will be enough for the crops," he added.
Reddy further said, "They are being too smart. They need belt treatment. If you want, you can go and see them or send some experts. We will bear the expenses. Because they are lying."
The remarks come amid an intensifying dispute over the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project. The BRS has been pressing the Congress government to release irrigation water from the Kannepalli pump house, arguing that adequate water is available to support farmers despite the ongoing dry spell.
The Congress government, led by Revanth Reddy, has maintained that it will act only in line with the recommendations of the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA), which has advised against storing water in the project's barrages until safety-related issues are resolved.
Explaining the government's approach to the irrigation project, Revanth Reddy said efforts were underway to restore it.
"Don't politicise these projects... They (BRS leaders) burn with lies and corruption. They are looters and cheaters. This is my official statement on the KCR family," he said.
The BRS strongly condemned the Chief Minister's remarks, accusing him of insulting farmers and using language inappropriate for someone holding a constitutional office.
Party MLA and former Irrigation Minister T Harish Rao called on Revanth Reddy to issue an unconditional apology.
"We asked the Chief Minister to provide water to farmers' fields, but Revanth Reddy says he will pour our blood instead. Is this the kind of language a Chief Minister should use? We ask for water, and Revanth Reddy talks about blood," he told reporters.
BRS working president K T Rama Rao (KTR) also responded to the controversy, saying his party was prepared to make any sacrifice for farmers while urging the government to ensure water reached their fields.
"We'll send you as much of our blood as you want... but you, give water to the farmers. We are the ones who fought for the state until our ribs cracked. We are ready to shed blood for the farmers, no matter how much. We are the ones who ignited fires in the water and waged water struggles," he said.
"If the harsh Congress government demands blood in exchange for water, we'll pour out our blood. Quench the thirst of the parched fields that can't satisfy your bloodlust,"the BRS leader added.
