K.T. Rama Rao, working president of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), told reporters at the Telangana Bhavan that the state’s eight major reservoirs – Mid Manair, Lower Manair, Mallanna Sagar, Kondapochamma Sagar and Baswapur – can be fully replenished within the next 100 days using the pumping capacity at Kannepalli. “We can bypass Medigadda entirely and still meet farmers’ water needs,” he said, dismissing the government’s claim that lifting water would endanger the already‑damaged Medigadda structure.

Background: A State Grappling with Drought

Telangana has faced recurrent droughts over the past decade, as flows in the Godavari and Krishna rivers have dwindled due to erratic monsoons and climate change. Senior engineers have repeatedly urged the state government to maximise the use of existing river flows rather than embarking on costly new barrage projects. Rama Rao framed his proposal as a “strategic safeguard” for agriculture, emphasizing the urgency of turning available water into actionable supply.

Political Context and Inter‑State Tensions

The claim sparked a fresh wave of political sparring. While the Telangana government warned that water lifting could jeopardise the Medigadda barrage, Andhra Pradesh continues to draw water from the Godavari under its Pattiseema project. “Farmers are watching this,” Rama Rao warned, suggesting that any perceived double‑standard could fuel public dissent and erode confidence in the ruling party.

Survey Numbers and Electoral Implications

Rama Rao also seized the moment to question Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s internal survey. According to the BRS leadership, the survey projects the party winning 78 seats if elections were called today. “If the Chief Minister denies commissioning such a survey, he should swear publicly before God that it never existed,” Rama Rao challenged, urging a dissolution of the assembly or a by‑election to test the government’s mandate.

Future Outlook

Should the Kannepalli‑centric plan be implemented, eight to nine districts could see a dramatic uplift in agricultural output, potentially averting a severe water crisis. However, realising this vision demands coordinated action between state and central authorities, especially concerning water‑rights negotiations and infrastructure upgrades. The political stakes are high, and the coming weeks may see intensified agitation if farmers’ demands remain unmet.