Harish Rao insulting judiciary after being rattled with Ghose Commission’s findings: Uttam

Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy accused BRS MLA leader and former minister T. Harish Rao of insulting the judiciary for his criticism of the PC Ghose Commission’s findings on the Kaleshwaram project, and demanded an apology.

Mr. Reddy said the former Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao and Mr. Harish Rao were rattled after the Judicial Commission exposed the financial irregularities and that the Kaleshwaram project was approved without Cabinet consent, with contracts signed under dubious directions from Mr. KCR and Mr. Harish Rao.

“You committed a scam worth thousands of crores and now call the Judicial Commission a political vendetta?”, he asked in response to Mr. Harish Rao’s presentation on Tuesday.

The Minister reminded that both former CM KCR and Mr. Harish Rao had appeared before the Judicial Commission. “Why didn’t Harish Rao raise these objections before the commission? Why come out now with baseless allegations in front of party workers?” he questioned.

The commission’s detailed report exposed widespread irregularities, design flaws and structural failures in the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project, particularly the sinking of the Medigadda barrage.

Mr. Reddy said the Congress believes in democracy and the judiciary, which is why it was ready to hold a full discussion in the Assembly based on the Commission’s report. “Those found guilty, including former ministers, are welcome to join the debate and present their version,” he said.