Gadwal: A heated political dispute broke out in Aija town after former BJP Jogulamba Gadwal District President, S. Ramachandra Reddy, accused Nagar Kurnool MP Dr. Mallu Ravi of betraying farmers who depend on the Rajolibanda Diversion Scheme (RDS). Reddy claimed that Ravi tried to cancel the important Mallamma Kunta Reservoir project, which is meant to improve irrigation in the drought-prone regions of Alampur and Gadwal.
At a press conference held at the BJP office in Aija, Reddy questioned the MP’s actions and motives. “Why are you upset with the RDS farmers, Mallu Ravi?” he asked. He was upset that instead of helping the farmers, Ravi had written a letter to District Collector BM Santhosh, asking for the cancellation of the Mallamma Kunta Reservoir project.
Following this letter, the District Collector reportedly told the Irrigation Superintending Engineer to stop the project on the 10th of this month. This decision caused anger among local farmers and BJP leaders.
Ramachandra Reddy also accused both the previous TRS government and the current Congress government of using the RDS issue just to win elections. He said they failed to support the farmers afterward. He challenged Mallu Ravi by saying, “If you truly care about the farmers, why don’t you make sure they get compensation of Rs. 25 to 30 lakhs per acre for the land they lose?”
Reddy made several demands to help solve the water issues in the RDS region. These included:
– Restarting and finishing the Mallamma Kunta Reservoir immediately
– Releasing funds urgently for the project
– Connecting the Chinnonipalli Reservoir to D12 near Sindhanur
– Linking Joorala to Vemula to improve water supply
He warned that if the Congress government fails to act, the BJP will join hands with farmers and start a protest to fight for their rights and to complete the RDS project as planned.
The press conference was attended by several BJP leaders and farmer representatives, including:
– Medikonda Bhim Sen Rao – State Executive Member, BJP Kisan Morcha
– Gopal Krishna – BJP President, Aija Mandal
– Lakshman Goud, Ashok, and Srinivas Goud – Local BJP leaders
These leaders expressed strong support for the farmers and criticized the Congress for not keeping its promises and for delaying important irrigation work.
Background:
The Rajolibanda Diversion Scheme (RDS) is a key irrigation project aimed at helping farmers in dry regions of Telangana, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. The Mallamma Kunta Reservoir was planned to store and manage water so that even the farthest areas of the RDS, like D40, could get enough water. If the project is canceled, local farmers fear it will seriously hurt their farming and water supply.
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