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AP Leader Accuses Telangana of Water Restrictions Ahead of Elections

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  Published in Politics and Government on Wednesday, January 7th 2026 at 20:45 GMT by The Hans India
      Locales: Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, INDIA

Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh - January 8th, 2026 - Accusations of political maneuvering over crucial water resources are escalating between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, with Andhra Pradesh's opposition leader, N. Chandrababu Naidu, leveling strong criticism at the Telangana government. Naidu, president of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), alleges that Telangana is deliberately restricting the flow of water from shared projects like the Srisailam and Nagarjuna Sagar dams, exacerbating a growing water crisis in Andhra Pradesh, particularly in the drought-prone Rayalaseema region, ahead of upcoming elections.

This dispute isn't new. Water sharing between the two Telugu-speaking states has been a contentious issue since their bifurcation in 2014. Both states rely heavily on the Krishna and Godavari river basins, and the allocation of water from major dams and irrigation projects has been a source of friction for years. While established agreements and boards exist to manage water distribution, accusations of unilateral decisions and politically motivated actions frequently surface.

Naidu's core argument centers on the timing of the alleged water restrictions. He claims the Telangana government is intentionally creating hardship in Rayalaseema - a region historically vulnerable to drought - to influence voters as elections draw nearer. This strategy, if true, would represent a blatant attempt to leverage a vital resource for political gain, potentially sparking unrest and further deepening the divide between the two states.

The Rayalaseema region is particularly susceptible to this issue. Its arid climate and limited local water sources mean it's heavily dependent on inflows from projects like Srisailam and Nagarjuna Sagar. Reduced water availability directly impacts drinking water supplies for a significant portion of the population, as well as jeopardizing agricultural production. Farmers are facing potential crop failures, and the general public is struggling with increasingly scarce water resources.

Beyond the immediate crisis, Naidu's statements highlight a broader concern about the politicization of water management. Water is a fundamental necessity, and its equitable distribution should be based on need and established agreements, not political expediency. Obstructing water flow, even temporarily, can have devastating consequences for communities downstream and can undermine long-term economic stability.

The TDP leader hasn't just voiced his concerns; he's formally appealed to the Election Commission of India to intervene. Naidu is urging the Commission to ensure fair and impartial water resource allocation, preventing Telangana from using water as a political tool during the election period. This plea underscores the gravity of the situation and the TDP's belief that external oversight is necessary to safeguard Andhra Pradesh's interests.

The Telangana government has yet to issue a formal response to Naidu's accusations, but sources within the state government suggest they view the criticism as politically motivated and an attempt to deflect attention from Andhra Pradesh's own water management challenges. They claim that water releases are governed by established protocols and are based on current reservoir levels and overall water availability.

However, this claim does little to alleviate the concerns of the affected communities in Rayalaseema who are witnessing dwindling water levels and facing an uncertain future. Independent water resource experts suggest a comprehensive review of water sharing agreements and real-time data transparency is needed to build trust and prevent future conflicts. They argue that a collaborative approach, focused on sustainable water management and equitable distribution, is crucial for ensuring the long-term well-being of both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

The situation warrants close monitoring, especially as the election cycle intensifies. If the Telangana government fails to address the concerns raised by Naidu and provide a clear explanation for the reduced water flow, the dispute could escalate, potentially leading to legal battles and further straining relations between the two states. The Election Commission's response to the TDP's appeal will also be a key indicator of whether a fair and impartial resolution can be achieved.