Tadepalli: Former MLA Topudurthi Prakash Reddy has strongly criticized Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, accusing him of undermining Rayalaseema’s water interests by reducing the height of the Polavaram project. He called this decision a historic blunder, which has deprived the region of 40 TMC of water, severely impacting irrigation in Rayalaseema and North Andhra.
Prakash Reddy stated that former CM Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy had initiated the Rayalaseema Lift Irrigation Project (RLIP) to ensure the rightful utilization of Srisailam’s water for the region’s benefit. However, he accused Chandrababu Naidu of halting these efforts, leaving nearly 6 lakh acres of cultivable land without irrigation, sparking widespread anger among farmers.
He further alleged that Chandrababu colluded with Telangana CM Revanth Reddy to divert water meant for Rayalaseema to Telangana. Additionally, he accused TDP members of orchestrating legal hurdles to stall irrigation projects, worsening the crisis. With discontent growing, Rayalaseema farmers are now preparing to launch a major agitation against the government.
Prakash Reddy also questioned why Amaravati receives special attention, while other regions are ignored. He alleged large-scale corruption in Amaravati’s contracts, stating that transparency measures introduced by Y.S. Jagan have been removed, and contracts are being arbitrarily awarded. His remarks reflect the deep frustration over the government’s alleged neglect of Rayalaseema and its irrigation needs.
