Ready for discussions with A.P. on Bankacherla, but Centre’s step-motherly treatment towards Telangana not acceptable: Revanth

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has expressed his readiness to hold talks with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on the inter-State water disputes, particularly over the controversial Banakacherla project.

In an informal chat with reporters in New Delhi on Friday (June 20), Mr. Reddy said he preferred dialogue over confrontation and inter-State water disputes can only be resolved through mutual understanding and cooperation.

Mr. Revanth Reddy attributed the dispute to the Centre’s unilateral acceptance of Andhra Pradesh’s Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR) without consulting Telangana. “The urgency with which Centre responded after A.P. submitted the PFR is a concern,” he pointed out stressing for a balanced approach in dealing with such sensitive inter-State issues.

Mr. Reddy opined that if Mr. Chandrababu Naidu wants to regain power, diverting Godavari water is a key aspect. If Mr. Modi wants his seat, he needs Mr. Chandrababu’s support. But such strategic interests must not undermine Telangana’s rights,” he said.

The Chief Minister, who is in New Delhi for the last two days to represent to the Central government, said such matters should be addressed through legal and technical evaluation, not political blame game. These disputes were between States and not individuals, he said.

The Chief Minister clarified that the Banakacherla project was an ancillary project to Polavaram, the only project specifically permitted under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act. The new project cannot go ahead without Telangana’s consent given its direct connection to the Godavari-Penna linkage.

“A.P. issued two GOs in 2016 and 2018. Based on these, WAPCOS presented a 150-page report. The Banakacherla project proposes transferring 400 TMC in 86 days. Telangana has been allocated 968 TMCft from the Godavari as an upper riparian State, and Telangana must be allowed to fully utilise its share first,” he said. The issue would be taken up at the Cabinet meeting scheduled for June 23.