BRS leader Harish Rao appears before Kaleshwaram Commission in ongoing project probe
Hyderabad: BRS leader and former minister T. Harish Rao appeared before the Justice P.C. Ghose Commission on Monday, June 9, 2025, in connection with the ongoing inquiry into the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project. Security was tightened at BRKR Bhavan ahead of his appearance.
Harish Rao, who is also the Siddipet MLA, left his residence in Kokapet earlier in the morning and made a brief stop at Telangana Bhavan to meet party leaders before heading to the Commission's hearing, scheduled for 11 a.m.
Speaking to the media outside his residence, Harish Rao said, “We are not in power, but we will provide all the information available to us. The BRS party has full faith in the judiciary, the Constitution, and the law of the land. That is why we are appearing before the Commission. We will answer all the questions posed.”
He urged the Congress-led state government not to act with political vengeance, alleging that it was being unjust to farmers. “Telangana’s water rights should not be compromised for political reasons. Ultimately, justice will prevail,” he said.
Earlier, on June 6, former minister and BJP MP Etela Rajender also appeared before the Commission. Rajender, who served as Finance Minister during the construction of the Kaleshwaram barrages, was questioned on financial approvals and policy decisions made during his tenure.
The Commission, led by former Supreme Court judge Justice P.C. Ghose, is investigating issues related to the design, construction quality, financial decisions, and inter-departmental coordination of the Kaleshwaram project. The inquiry was launched in March 2024 after structural issues emerged at the Medigadda barrage. The Annaram and Sundilla barrages are also under scrutiny.
Sources said testimonies from senior engineers and officials indicated that major decisions were taken in the presence of the then Chief Minister and implemented under his direction. Based on these statements, the Commission issued notices to former Chief Minister and BRS chief K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR), Harish Rao, and Etela Rajender, asking them to appear within 15 days.
KCR, who was originally scheduled to appear on June 5, is now set to appear before the Commission on June 11 following a rescheduling request. The Commission’s term, which has been extended seven times, is due to conclude this month. Its final report is expected to be submitted to the state government by the end of June.
