'I have no issues with Jagan, but will not compromise on TS interests': KCR

Hyderabad: Hardening his stand, Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao on Monday said he would not accept the diversion of Krishna waters by the Andhra Pradesh government for its irrigation project.

“There is excess water availability in the Godavari which is going waste into the sea. I proposed Jagan to take this excess water to Rayalaseema. I have no objection if anyone uses excess Godavari water. But I will not accept if someone diverts Krishna water denying Telangana its legitimate share. I will never compromise on the interests of Telangana state or its people," KCR told reporters

The chief minister said he would not remain silent if new lift irrigation project undertaken by the AP government on river Krishna impacts Telangana.

“I have no dispute or differences with his AP counterpart YS Jaganmohan Reddy on any issue but will not compromise on Telangana's interests, I was the first to offer a hand of friendship to YS Jagan on resolving contentious water sharing or bifurcation issues,” he said.

KCR said he had invited Jagan for talks soon after he became AP CM to resolve water and other contentious issues between TS and AP.

"We have already complained with KRMB against AP's new project. We will approach the Supreme Court also to protect our interests. We will fight on all legal forums,' KCR said

The chief minister stated that he proposed to Jagan to divert whatever excess water available in the Godavari to Rayalaseema or any region in AP.

KCR said he was not a 'narrow-minded politician' to deny excess water to AP or any other state. He said his policy was always to maintain cordial relations with all neighboring states and adopt 'live and let live policy'.

"For this reason, I visited Maharashtra seven times when Fadnavis was CM and secured his approval for constructing barrages under the Kaleshwaram project. We are now benefitting from Kaleshwaram project," KCR said.