Investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Revanth: A Double-whammy Event for Revanth

In the heart of Telangana, the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme (KLIS) has become a topic of intense scrutiny and debate. The scheme, originally known as the Pranahita-Chevella Srujala Sravanti (PCSS), has undergone a significant transformation, sparking concerns about irregularities and financial mismanagement.

The investigation into the KLIS is currently being spearheaded by Mr. Revanth Reddy, a prominent politician, who has been actively pursuing the case. The redesigning of the PCSS into the KLIS, allegedly done at the whims and fancies of former chief minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao, has been a point of contention.

The location of the KLIS project was changed from Tummidihatti to Medigadda, a move that has proven to be problematic. The unsuitable soil with coal reserves beneath the piers has caused instability, leading to potential issues with the project's infrastructure.

The cost escalation from the initial Rs.38,000 crore to a staggering Rs.1.45 lakh crore has raised eyebrows, with many questioning the lack of scientific data supporting the redesign. Mr. Revanth Reddy has been vocal about these concerns, hindering any potential political alliance between the BRS and BJP by demanding a thorough investigation.

The Comptroller and Auditor General has indicated a swindling of at least Rs.45,000 crore in the KLIS project, a claim that further fuels the investigation. The CBI probe into the KLIS project is ongoing, with the CBI appointing the "Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme Investigation Committee" to delve into aspects such as financial irregularities, project delays, and the quality of construction.

The CBI probe is expected to cover other costly aspects like the pump houses and other constructions in addition to the damaged barrages, such as Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla, which have reportedly cost approximately Rs.7,000 crore in damage, as per the Justice Ghose commission.

There have been speculations about a potential political understanding between the BRS and BJP, but Mr. Revanth Reddy's insistence on a comprehensive investigation seems to indicate a different perspective. The BJP had requested a CBI probe into the KLIS project, a request that was eventually granted by the Telangana Assembly.

Amidst all this, Mr. Chandrashekar Rao, the BRS supremo, is attempting to scuttle further action by approaching the judiciary on technical grounds. However, Mr. Revanth Reddy has downplayed the possibility of Mr. Chandrashekar Rao's arrest.

The people, according to Mr. Revanth Reddy, have already punished Mr. Chandrashekar Rao, with his confinement to his farmhouse being compared to being in jail. The investigation into the KLIS continues, with the hope that it will bring clarity and accountability to this complex and costly project.

Investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Revanth: A Double-whammy Event for Revanth