Shilpa Chakrapani Reddy Slams Curbs on Velugodu Reservoir Protest

Former MLA Shilpa Chakrapani Reddy has strongly criticised the police restrictions imposed ahead of a proposed farmers’ mobilisation at the Velugodu Reservoir in Nandyal district on September 1, accusing the authorities of trying to suppress a democratic protest.

He questioned the decision to prevent farmers, members of the public and YSRCP supporters from reaching the reservoir, saying the party’s campaign was focused on the growing concerns of farmers and people dependent on the Srisailam reservoir system.

Chakrapani Reddy also objected to police notices reportedly issued to tractor owners associated with the YSRCP. He said warnings that tractors could be seized and criminal cases registered were excessive and amounted to an attempt to intimidate those planning to participate in the protest.

Calling for a united movement, he urged people to put aside political differences and party affiliations and stand together for farmers’ rights.

The former MLA demanded answers from the coalition government over what he described as the failure to provide adequate water to farmers and residents in areas dependent on the Srisailam reservoir. He alleged that even drinking water requirements were not being properly addressed.

He further accused the government of remaining silent over the movement of water and alleged that the Telangana government was drawing water without an adequate response from Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. Chakrapani Reddy claimed that officials were presenting a misleading picture despite water being available in the reservoir.

He also targeted the Srisailam MLA, questioning why the issue had not been taken up more forcefully, including in the Assembly. Raising concerns over the alleged diversion of more than 200 TMC of water, he demanded that the district collector clarify where the water had gone.

Making it clear that the agitation would continue, Chakrapani Reddy said restrictions would not force the protesters to retreat. If tractors were stopped, they would travel in autos; if autos were blocked, they would arrive on motorcycles; and if vehicles were prevented, they would continue the journey on foot, he said.