PNS|Hyderabad
Agriculture Minister T. Nageswara Rao has categorically rejected the claims of BJP MP Eatela Rajender regarding the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project, calling them “false, misleading, and part of a larger conspiracy to deflect attention from the ongoing investigation.”
“The Cabinet Subcommittee on which I served never deliberated about the Kaleshwaram Project,” said Nageswara.
“The GO sanctioning the project was issued before the committee was even formed. It was never discussed or approved by the Cabinet during BRS rule, a fact I can personally attest to,” he said.
The Minister announced his decision to cooperate fully with the Justice PC Ghose Commission.
“I will submit an affidavit, along with all relevant documentary evidence, to refute the baseless claims made by Eatela Rajender,” he said. “Dragging my name into this issue is unwarranted and is an attempt to create confusion to protect those truly responsible,” he said.
Clarifying the role of the Cabinet Subcommittee, Minister stated: “The subcommittee was formed to review only pending irrigation projects like Devadula, Kantanapalli, and Dummugudem and not Kaleshwaram.” He accused the BJP of deliberately twisting facts. “This attempt to distort the record is not just political opportunism. It’s a calculated move to derail the investigation and mislead the public.”
Referring to the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) report, he pointed out that the report, “The Kaleshwaram Project has already been deemed non-viable by the NDSA.”
He questioned the BJP’s motives: “What is the BJP trying to hide by pinning this on the BRS government without any evidence? The people deserve facts, not fabrications.”
Reaffirming his commitment to transparency, the Minister concluded: “I have served the state with integrity. I am prepared to appear before the Commission on my own and present the truth.”
