Harish Rao questions Revanth Reddy’s silence on river disputes

Former minister Harish Rao has sharply criticized Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, calling him a “Nallamala kitten” rather than a “tiger,” in response to the ongoing disputes over inter-state water sharing.

Harish Rao questioned Revanth Reddy’s silence on the transfer of Godavari waters to Andhra Pradesh and Krishna waters to Karnataka, asking what will happen to Telangana’s own water needs if these projects continue unchecked.

The controversy arose when Revanth Reddy recently visited Karnataka to meet Mallikarjun Kharge. Harish Rao expressed frustration that Revanth Reddy did not engage with the Karnataka Congress leadership, including Siddaramaiah and Shiv Kumar, regarding the Almatti dam height increase. Harish Rao argued that even though the Karnataka Congress government is in power there, Reddy failed to take any initiative.

Harish Rao warned that raising the Almatti dam could turn parts of Telangana into a desert, suggesting that Revanth Reddy lacked the foresight to protect the state’s interests. He also criticized Revanth Reddy for failing to get through to the Karnataka Congress government, even with Rahul Gandhi’s help, suggesting that Revanth Reddy is more focused on trips to Delhi than on addressing the concerns of Telangana residents.

Rao highlighted the inter-state water numbers - Andhra Pradesh is diverting 463 TMC of water; Karnataka claims it will withhold 112 TMC, and Maharashtra 74 TMC. He questioned what will happen to Telangana if these states block their shares. “If you were a tiger, you would speak up. But you remain silent like a kitten - or even a mouse - while our districts suffer,” Harish Rao said pointedly.