Kavitha Slams Telangana Government Over Drought Preparedness

Telangana Rakshana Sena president Kalvakuntla Kavitha has accused the Congress government led by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy of failing to prepare for the drought situation, alleging that farmers, agricultural labourers and the public are bearing the consequences of delayed action.

Speaking to the media at her Banjara Hills office on Friday, Kavitha said warnings about the possible impact of El Niño had emerged in January, but the government failed to take preventive measures. She pointed out that rainfall in August was reportedly 28 per cent below normal, while other states had identified drought-hit areas and submitted reports to the Centre. She criticised the government for asking farmers to avoid cultivation instead of extending timely support.

Kavitha demanded immediate implementation of the Congress party’s poll promise of Rs 12,000 financial assistance to agricultural labourers and life insurance for landless farm workers. She also highlighted the risks faced by migrant workers, stating that two people from Aija mandal died and five others were injured while travelling to Karnataka for employment. She questioned assurances under the employment guarantee scheme without clarity on Central approvals and sought a clear policy on compensation for affected farmers.

On irrigation, Kavitha criticised the government for failing to complete the Palamuru-Rangareddy project and repair the Medigadda barrage, despite being in power for 30 months. Citing forecasts of below-normal rainfall in the coming months, she demanded a deadline for the repairs. She also urged the completion of Mission Bhagiratha works to ensure household drinking water supplies.

Regarding Hyderabad’s water shortage, Kavitha blamed both El Niño and encroachments on lakes. Claiming that 8,000 lakes had disappeared since the Congress government took office, she demanded that HYDRA publish a report on their condition. She also accused the government of failing to utilise Krishna river water effectively.

Kavitha called for 24-hour free electricity to farmers until the end of November, alleging that advance arrangements to purchase power from other states had not been made. She opposed proposed privatisation involving units of the Yadadri Thermal Power Plant and sought disclosure of the government’s agreement with Power Max.

She also criticised BRS leader KTR over the controversy involving Prathima Srinivas, accusing the BRS of prioritising political publicity over Singareni workers’ concerns. Expressing confidence in the upcoming Singareni elections, she predicted victories for HMS and TRS.

Kavitha urged the Chief Minister to prioritise drought relief, water security and electricity supply rather than blaming the Opposition or focusing on political engagements outside the state.