Proposing a special session of the Assembly on long-standing water-sharing disputes over the Krishna and Godavari rivers, Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Wednesday made an ‘open offer’ to Leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao, inviting him to a debate on key decisions taken on the issue during their tenures. He offered to hold the debate either in the Assembly or at Chandrashekhar Rao’s Erravalli residence.
Speaking after a Power-Point presentation on river water issues organised by Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy at Praja Bhavan, he said the special session could help deliberate issues involved in the sharing of river water of Krishna and Godavari for two days. The session could be extended if further discussions were needed.
Revanth Reddy said the State government was ready to consider Chandrashekhar Rao’s experience and suggestions if they were genuinely beneficial to Telangana. “Let us bring in
experts. Let them speak in the House. If you write to the Speaker asking for a special session, we will cooperate immediately,” he said.
“As Leader of the House, I assure you that the proceedings will be conducted without any disruptions or insults. Ensuring respect for all is my responsibility,” he said.
“If your health doesn’t permit you to come to the Assembly, name the date. I will send a team of Ministers to Erravalli farmhouse and we will conduct the discussion there. I am ready to attend a meeting of elected representatives at your farmhouse if required,” he said, also stressing the inclusion of irrigation experts and relevant stakeholders, assuring their participation with the Speaker’s approval.
He also hinted at expanding the dialogue by organizing similar sessions across Telangana’s ten erstwhile districts to formulate a definite action plan, adding that the goal was to put facts before the people.