Sajjala urges all parties to join Rayalaseema lift irrigation project movement

Vijayawada: Appealing to all political parties to join hands to intensify the movement for the Rayalaseema lift irrigation project (RLIP), YSRCP state coordinator Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy observed that it must become a people's movement, not a political issue. He criticised chief minister Chandrababu Naidu for taking decisions that harm the state's interests, particularly in water security and agriculture.Speaking at a meeting on Sunday, Sajjala highlighted the Polavaram project as a key example of alleged betrayal by Naidu. "The Polavaram project construction advanced to a height of 45.78 metres, securing substantial funds through persistent efforts despite limited central support. In contrast, Chandrababu Naidu agreed to reduce the height of the project to 41 metres upon returning to power, yielding to central pressures without resistance," said Sajjala.
He added that YS Jagan Mohan Reddy launched the Rayalaseema lift irrigation project to address chronic drought in the region. He said that the Naidu govt stalled the works soon after returning to power under pressure from his political friends. He described RLIP as vital not only for irrigation but also for drinking water and future generations, calling it a "lifeline" for Rayalaseema.He demanded immediate resumption of construction, legal action against neighbouring states' allegedly illegal projects diverting Krishna River waters, and efforts to halt unauthorised upstream developments. As a coalition partner at the centre, Naidu failed to secure additional benefits and instead allowed cuts to existing entitlements, Sajjala alleged.He criticised the govt for abandoning ongoing projects in favour of long-term, decades-old proposals. The YSRCP, he said, plans to build public awareness, mobilise every village and home to discuss the "betrayal" by Naidu, and pressure TDP and alliance leaders for the state's sake. He said that they would take the campaign to colleges and universities to engage youth. He said that YS Jagan Mohan Reddy would also take part in the agitation sometime in the future.Sajjala said that greater Rayalaseema leaders met to strategise, deciding to involve all parties, public organisations, and citizens in a large-scale agitation. "This is not a political issue. Let us all fight together," he declared, framing the campaign as a collective defence of Rayalaseema's water rights and development.