Heated Debate in Telangana Assembly Over Musi River Project; BRS Walks Out
Hyderabad: There was a heated debate in the Telangana Assembly on Wednesday regarding the Musi River rejuvenation project, with sharp exchanges between the ruling Congress and opposition BRS members. While BRS stated that it was not against the project, it accused the government of corruption and lack of transparency. However, the government maintained that the project was aimed at improving people’s lives and accused the opposition of obstructing development.
The discussion began during Question Hour when MLAs, including Sudhir Reddy and Kaleru Venkatesh, asked their questions about the project. Replying to questions, IT and Industry Minister Sridhar Babu stated that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the first phase has been completed with an estimated cost of ₹ 6,000–7,000 crore. He added that approximately 1,435 structures may be affected and the final counting process is currently ongoing.
BRS leader KT Rama Rao criticized the government, claiming ministers were dodging questions and accused the Congress of turning Musi into a dirty sewer. He questioned how a DPR that usually takes 18 months was completed in just two months and demanded that it be presented to Parliament.
Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka countered the criticism, accusing the opposition of not wanting the Musi River to be developed and stating that the government aims to turn it into a major urban asset. He also assured that the affected residents would be rehabilitated.
Tensions escalated further over issues related to public consultations and alleged displacement of the poor. While ministers defended the government’s approach, opposition members continued their objections. Expressing their dissatisfaction with the minister’s answers, BRS members left the Parliament.
The ruling government reiterated its readiness for a detailed discussion and called on the opposition to cooperate for the successful execution of the Musi development project.
