Kaleshwaram project probe: KCR appears before PC Ghose Commission to record his statement

Hyderabad: Former Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) today appeared before the PC Ghose Commission in connection with Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP) probe.

The judicial panel, is investigating alleged financial and structural irregularities in the Rs 1.5 lakh crore project, one of the biggest public infrastructure controversies in Telangana’s history.

Justice Ghose Commission, so far, summoned 114 persons for inquiry into irregularities in execution of Kaleshwaram project. On June 11th, KCR who appeared before the panel requested for an in-house inquiry.

KCR questioned for nearly an hour; submits documents to support his stand on irrigation project

KCR's questioning lasted for nearly an hour at BRK Bhavan, where KCR arrived around 11 am. after starting from his Erravelli residence at 9:30 am. He was accompanied by a group of nine senior party leaders, including S Madhusudhana Chari, T Harish Rao, Mohammad Mahmood Ali, and T Padma Rao Goud.

The former chief minister carried a set of files and documents which were reportedly submitted to the Commission during the session. The deposition is seen as a key development in the multi-crore project probe, which has drawn significant political and public attention across the state.

According to sources, KCR informed the inquiry commission about the significance of the Kaleshwaram project, the conditions that required the re-engineering, the steps taken, the authorization acquired, and its completion.

According to reports, he addressed every query posed by the Justice PC Ghose Commission members. Around 1 pm, he emerged from his car and met dozens of party members who were waiting for him on the side of the road.

What is the PC Ghose Commission?

The commission is headed by Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose, a retired Supreme Court judge and India’s first Lokpal. It was constituted in March 2024 by the Congress-led Telangana government under Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy.

Formed under the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952, the commission was tasked with conducting a comprehensive investigation into the execution of the Kaleshwaram project.

Why was it formed?

The Kaleshwaram project, launched during the previous BRS regime, was initially estimated at Rs 38,000 crore, but eventually ballooned to over Rs 1.5 lakh crore.

Allegations of cost inflation, flawed design, tender manipulation, and lack of transparency gained momentum after the collapse of piers at the Medigadda Barrage in 2023 — a failure that raised serious engineering and safety concerns.

The Congress government alleged that irregular contracting practices and over-engineering were used to drive up project costs unjustifiably, prompting the need for an independent probe.

Who has been summoned so far?

In a major development, the commission summoned three top leaders of the previous BRS government:

K Chandrashekar Rao – Former Chief Minister (appeared June 11)

T Harish Rao – Former Irrigation Minister (appeared June 9)

Etala Rajender – Former Finance Minister, now Malkajgiri BJP MP (appeared June 7)

Their depositions are seen as crucial, given their direct involvement in the planning, budgeting, and execution of the Kaleshwaram project.

What is the Commission mandated to do?

The PC Ghose Commission has been tasked with:

-Reviewing the project’s planning, design, and cost structure

-Investigating tendering and contracting procedures

-Evaluating the roles of public officials, engineers, and contractors

-Probing environmental clearances and safety violations, particularly after the Medigadda collapse

-Recommending remedial actions, accountability, and legal consequences, if warranted

-The panel is expected to submit its report within six months, although extensions may be granted depending on the depth of evidence.

Why this matters

The Kaleshwaram project was once hailed as a revolutionary irrigation initiative designed to transform agriculture in Telangana. But it now faces serious scrutiny on both financial and engineering grounds. Politically, the inquiry puts the former ruling party’s top brass under the scanner.

Legally, it could pave the way for criminal investigations or administrative action. Institutionally, the probe raises critical concerns over the governance of mega public projects, not just in Telangana but across India.

KTR slams Revanth Reddy, says he can never understand KCR's greatness

BRS Party working president KT Rama Rao (KTR) launched a scathing attack on Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, asserting that no matter how many lifetimes he takes, Revanth would never be able to comprehend the greatness of KCR.

“Revanth Reddy is a petty politician who lacks the stature to understand KCR’s greatness,” said KTR. “He failed to maintain ties with his own political mentors and even had disagreements with his guiding figures, ultimately being ousted in disgrace. No matter what he attempts, he cannot come close to challenging KCR’s legacy or strength," the BRS leader said.