In Hyderabad, Bandi Sanjay Kumar, the Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, voiced his concerns over the conflict between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh about the Banakacherla issue. During a media conference in Huzurabad, he stressed that both states should avoid making contradictory public statements while working to resolve water disputes.
The Central Government recently organized a meeting for the two Telugu states’ Chief Ministers to discuss water-sharing peacefully. Despite different agendas, the Center set up an expert committee with senior officials to address the issues fairly. Bandi Sanjay sees this as a success and encourages both state governments to work closely with the committee.
He appreciated Telangana CM Revanth Reddy for recognizing the Center’s efforts but was surprised by conflicting statements from state leaders after the meeting. He urged transparency about what was discussed.
Bandi Sanjay criticized political parties for using water disputes for election gains and raised concerns about politicizing forest land issues. He accused the former BRS government of mishandling Krishna water sharing, harming Telangana’s interests.
On reservation matters, he confirmed the BJP’s support for a 42% reservation for Backward Classes (BCs), opposing any plans to allocate parts of this to other communities. He warned against potential injustices to BCs in local governance, citing past election results.
Sanjay Kumar also condemned corruption in the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP), referencing recent ACB raids. He accused both the Congress and BRS of political games and collusion, stating that the Center is ready to have the CBI investigate all alleged scams.
He also addressed the ongoing phone tapping case, confirming his cooperation with SIT authorities and his attendance at the scheduled inquiry on July 24.
