The dispute between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana over the Banakacharla project has intensified, with the Telangana government expressing strong objections to the initiative. Telangana has alleged that diverting Godavari waters to the Banakacharla project would severely impact its water interests and has already raised the issue with the central government.
In response, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu clarified the state’s position on Thursday during a press meet in Amaravati. He stated that, apart from the Polavaram project, no other project at the Banakacharla site has received official clearance. “I have said this several times—only Polavaram has approval at Banakacharla. No other projects are permitted,” he asserted. Referring to the Kaleshwaram project, Chandrababu pointed out that Godavari water was diverted to another basin in Telangana without objections from him at the time. “People in both states are Telugu. I have never clashed with the people of Telangana. Creating unnecessary disputes only misleads citizens,” he said.
Clarifying further, Chandrababu questioned the rationale behind the ongoing controversy. “I developed Hyderabad for the benefit of the united state. Why would I now claim it?” he asked. On the development front, he reiterated his focus on cooperation and growth. “Complete your projects first; political fights can follow. We promised a double-engine government, which means both state and Centre working together. Let’s aim to bring pride to the Telugu community. I don’t fight individuals, but I will fight for state interests. The Banakacharla project will not harm anyone—it will utilise only surplus floodwaters,” he said.