Hyderabad: A heated argument between BRS MLA Vijayudu and former Congress MLA SA Sampath Kumar over the release of water from the Thummilla Lift Irrigation Scheme (LIS) led to Vijayudu’s arrest in Rajoli mandal of Alampur constituency on Tuesday.
Incident Summary:
- Ceremony Dispute: Both Vijayudu and Sampath Kumar were invited to a ceremony to turn on the pumping motors and release water from the Thummilla LIS. Vijayudu arrived first and, questioning the need to wait for the former MLA, switched on the motors before Sampath Kumar arrived.
- Interruption and Protest: After leaving the site, Vijayudu discovered that the water had not reached the RDS (Rajolibanda Diversion Scheme) canal nearly three hours later. He learned that Sampath Kumar, along with Congress party workers, had turned off the pumps in anger, halting the water flow.
- Protest and Arrest: Irked by the stoppage of water, Vijayudu returned to the Thummilla LIS with his followers and farmers to stage a sit-in protest, blocking the road. Police intervened and arrested Vijayudu and his followers, leading to tension.
Reactions:
- BRS Condemnation: The BRS strongly condemned the incident, urging the State government to follow protocol and initiate action against those responsible for the ruckus. BRS working president KT Rama Rao criticized the district officials, accusing them of insulting the local MLA and questioning the inclusion of Congress leaders in official meetings. He called for an explanation from Chief Secretary A Santhi Kumari, asking if protocols in Telangana had been redefined to humiliate elected representatives.
This incident highlights the ongoing political tensions in Telangana, with water management and irrigation schemes being a focal point of contention.
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