Banakacherla Project Controversy

The ongoing Banakacherla controversy has sparked a major political storm in Telangana politics, centering around the escalating conflict between Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and former CM K Chandrashekar Rao (KCR).

With the Telangana Assembly 2025 elections approaching, this clash is not only about inter-state water disputes but also about political accountability, governance, and legacy.

Background of the Banakacherla Controversy

• The Banakacherla controversy gained momentum after Revanth Reddy assumed charge as the Telangana CM and strongly criticized past irrigation policies under KCR's regime.

• Representing Congress Telangana, Revanth emerged as a vocal critic of BRS (formerly TRS), questioning the former government's failure to protect Telangana's water interests.

• The Banakacherla reservoir project, proposed by Andhra Pradesh, became the flashpoint for this growing rivalry.

• The Banakacherla controversy centers on allegations that KCR, during his tenure, did not object to the project, thus compromising Telangana’s long-term water security.

What Is the Banakacherla Project?

• The Banakacherla reservoir project is an initiative by Andhra Pradesh that plans to link the Godavari and Krishna rivers, transferring water from the Godavari basin to Rayalaseema through lift irrigation.

• Telangana argues that this move will reduce its access to vital water resources.

Revanth Reddy’s criticism of KCR’s irrigation strategy centers on the claim that the former CM failed to raise objections before the Krishna and Godavari River Management Boards, thereby allowing Andhra Pradesh to proceed unchecked.

This has become the core of the Banakacherla controversy, symbolizing alleged political negligence and a failure to uphold Telangana’s interests.

Revanth Reddy’s Statements on the Banakacherla Controversy

Revanth Reddy has been vocal about his stance:

• “KCR compromised Telangana’s water rights for political convenience.”

• “Why did KCR remain silent during critical decisions on the Banakacherla project?”

• “The Banakacherla controversy is a result of poor leadership and a lack of timely intervention.”

The Revanth Reddy vs KCR face-off intensified as Revanth challenged KCR to a public debate on the issue. He alleged that KCR’s political strategy during his tenure allowed Andhra Pradesh to gain an upper hand in regional water disputes.

KCR’s Stand on the Banakacherla Controversy

• While KCR has not made direct public statements addressing every charge, leaders from BRS argue that the project requires a balanced view and that KCR worked for the state’s long-term water stability.

• Still, the Banakacherla controversy has weakened his position among voters concerned with irrigation and interstate disputes.

• This has framed the Congress vs BRS narrative sharply, making the Banakacherla issue a defining political battle ahead of the 2025 elections.

Impact of the Banakacherla Controversy on Telangana Politics

The Banakacherla controversy is not just a regional dispute—it has become a powerful symbol of the political rivalry between Revanth Reddy and KCR in Telangana.

Key political implications:

• Congress Telangana, led by Revanth, is positioning itself as a reformist party that prioritizes state rights and accountability.

• BRS is now defending its legacy while under fire for past irrigation decisions.

• Water politics, particularly around river management and interlinking, is now central to election campaigns.

The Banakacherla controversy has heightened the stakes, turning it into a litmus test for leadership, governance, and inter-state diplomacy.

Why the Banakacherla Controversy Matters for SSC Aspirants

For aspirants preparing for SSC CGL, CHSL, or other competitive exams, understanding the Banakacherla controversy is crucial:

• Polity: Centre-State water sharing mechanisms and the functioning of inter-state river boards.

• Geography: Interlinking of rivers, Godavari–Krishna basin dynamics, and irrigation strategies.

• Current Affairs: Revanth Reddy vs KCR, Telangana water policy, and implications for elections.

• General Awareness: Role of state governments in regional development and resource management.

Final Thoughts

The Banakacherla controversy goes beyond an administrative dispute—it embodies the evolving power struggle in Telangana politics. With Revanth Reddy vs KCR becoming the central narrative, the issue is shaping public discourse, party strategies, and voter perception.

As the Telangana Assembly Elections 2025 approach, expect the Banakacherla project to remain at the forefront of political debate, influencing everything from campaign themes to policy promises.

For SSC aspirants, this is a must-know current affairs topic with deep political, administrative, and geographical implications.