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KCR Faces SIT Scrutiny Over Kaleshwaram Project

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. faces-sit-scrutiny-over-kaleshwaram-project.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Thursday, January 29th 2026 at 9:21 GMT by Telangana Today
      Locales: Telangana, INDIA

Hyderabad, Telangana - January 29th, 2026 - The Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) president, Anum Reddy Revanth Reddy, today asserted that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) notice served to former Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao (KCR) regarding the Kaleshwaram project is a purely investigative measure and not a politically motivated act of retribution. The SIT has summoned KCR to appear before them on January 31st to address questions concerning the finances of the massive Kaleshwaram irrigation project and allegations of corruption surrounding its execution.

Reddy, speaking to reporters earlier today, emphasized the SIT's independent operation. "The SIT is diligently performing its duty, conducting an investigation based solely on the evidence presented before it," he stated. He urged KCR to fully cooperate with the investigation, stating that transparency would be the best course of action. "Cooperation will demonstrate a commitment to clarity and allow the truth to emerge," Reddy added.

The Kaleshwaram project, a multi-billion rupee undertaking initiated under KCR's leadership when he was Chief Minister, aimed to lift water from the Godavari River to irrigate drought-prone areas of Telangana. While touted as a solution to the region's water woes, the project has been dogged by accusations of cost overruns, irregularities in tender processes, and allegations of corruption. Several reports have surfaced over the past two years detailing concerns about the project's financial management and the awarding of contracts to companies with questionable track records.

The current SIT investigation appears to be focusing on these specific financial irregularities. Sources within the investigation confirm that KCR is expected to answer questions regarding key financial decisions, the justification for escalating costs, and the criteria used in awarding contracts. The scope of the questioning suggests a detailed examination of the project's entire financial lifecycle, from initial planning and budgeting to implementation and completion.

The Congress party's stance is significant given the historical political rivalry between them and KCR's Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS). By publicly distancing itself from any perception of political vendetta, the TPCC appears to be attempting to establish a narrative of accountability and good governance. This approach is likely designed to reassure the public that the investigation is not driven by partisan motives but by a genuine desire to uncover any wrongdoing and ensure justice.

However, the BRS has already cried foul, labeling the SIT notice a politically motivated harassment campaign orchestrated by the Congress government. Party leaders claim that the investigation is a deliberate attempt to tarnish KCR's image and silence the opposition. They have vowed to fully cooperate with the SIT but have also warned of potential legal challenges if they believe the investigation is biased or unfair.

Political analysts predict a tense few days leading up to KCR's scheduled appearance. The outcome of the SIT investigation could have significant implications for Telangana politics, potentially leading to further investigations, legal proceedings, and even arrests. The project's financial irregularities are substantial enough to warrant serious scrutiny, and the evidence presented will be critical in determining the next steps.

The scale of the Kaleshwaram project - one of the largest irrigation projects in the world - inevitably attracts increased oversight. While the project has undeniably delivered water to previously arid regions, the alleged financial mismanagement raises serious concerns about responsible governance. The SIT's investigation, regardless of its ultimate outcome, serves as a crucial reminder that large-scale infrastructure projects require not only engineering expertise but also rigorous financial control and transparency.

The focus now shifts to KCR's response to the SIT notice. His cooperation, or lack thereof, will be closely watched and will undoubtedly shape the public perception of the entire situation. The coming weeks will be a critical test of Telangana's commitment to accountability and the rule of law.