*“Complete Rayalaseema Lift or face a people’s movement”: YSRCP*

Nandikotkur, Feb 5: YSRCP leaders from Rayalaseema warned the coalition government that the Rayalaseema Lift Irrigation (RLI) Project must be completed at any cost, declaring that a sustained people’s movement will continue until works resume. Speaking at the “Chalo Pothireddypadu” meeting at Pothulapadu village in Nandikotkur, attended by leaders and farmer groups from Rayalaseema, Nellore and Prakasam, they said halting the project risks turning Rayalaseema into a desert and jeopardising the region’s future. They vowed to take awareness to every village, expose alleged conspiracies against Rayalaseema, and build wider political unity to pressure the government, warning of political consequences for TDP in the region if the project remains stalled.

YSRCP State Coordinator Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy termed the stoppage a grave injustice to drought-prone Rayalaseema and its farmers, calling it a “sin against Rayalaseema.” He questioned why Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has not responded to Telangana CM Revanth Reddy’s Assembly remarks about the project. He said lack of sincerity on RLI would lead to Chandrababu’s political downfall and stressed that Rayalaseema, like Telangana, must access Srisailam water at the 800-foot level. He alleged that fear linked to the vote-for-note case and protection of Hyderabad assets led Chandrababu to mortgage Rayalaseema’s interests, and that the project was stalled because it would bring goodwill to former CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy. He reiterated that assured irrigation and drinking water are the basis of real development, a vision earlier pursued by former CM YS Rajasekhara Reddy, and said RLI is the only lasting solution to the region’s water distress.

Leaders said the project, a lifeline for irrigation and drinking water, was sidelined citing environmental clearances despite major progress under YSRCP. They referenced Revanth Reddy’s claim that he persuaded Chandrababu to halt it and questioned the absence of a denial. They accused Chandrababu of sacrificing Rayalaseema for political priorities while focusing on Amaravati and real-estate interests.

Speakers recalled that YSR laid the irrigation foundation through Pothireddypadu, Handri-Neeva and Galeru-Nagari, and that YS Jagan accelerated works, reportedly completing about 80% of RLI in two years. With gravity drawals often inadequate, they said lifting water from lower levels is essential. Farmer representatives noted that canal and earthworks were largely done and only motors remained to be installed before stoppage.

YSRCP leaders said they will mobilise farmers, expand public outreach district-wide, and hold larger meetings starting in Kadapa. They asserted that irrigation and water security drive overall prosperity and said a future YSRCP government would complete RLI on a war footing if the present government fails. They urged Rayalaseema’s people to unite beyond politics to secure their water future and prevent a return to drought, migration and distress.