BRS has targeted Excise Minister Jupally Krishna Rao over his remarks concerning Srisailam water and liquor production, triggering a fresh political confrontation in Telangana. Senior BRS leader T. Harish Rao accused the Congress government of prioritising liquor revenue while farmers faced irrigation concerns. His criticism comes amid an ongoing political dispute between the BRS and Congress over Telangana’s utilisation and management of Krishna River water.

BRS has repeatedly accused the Congress government of failing to adequately utilise available Krishna water for irrigation and has questioned official figures on Srisailam water utilisation. Excise Minister Jupally Krishna Rao rejected the BRS interpretation of his remarks, saying his comments were misquoted. He clarified that he was referring to drawing Srisailam water into the Dindi project rather than directly linking the reservoir’s water with liquor production.

BRS Raises Concerns Over Irrigation Water Releases

BRS has demanded greater water releases for farmers, with senior leader Harish Rao questioning why irrigation projects were not operating at full potential and seeking details on Telangana’s utilisation of Krishna water. The Congress government has defended its water-management decisions. Minister Jupally Krishna Rao earlier cited water scarcity and drinking-water requirements while explaining restrictions on Jurala releases, adding that farmers were advised to cultivate drought-resistant crops amid deficient rainfall.

The latest exchange has added liquor policy to the broader political debate over water management.
For the BRS, the controversy provides another opportunity to question the Congress government’s priorities. For Jupally, the dispute centres on what he says was a misrepresentation of his comments.With irrigation and water availability affecting farmers across several regions, the political battle over Srisailam water is likely to remain a closely watched issue in Telangana.