We seek fair entitlement, not special privilege: Telangana Deputy CM on Krishna waters

Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka emphasized on Thursday that his state is seeking a fair entitlement, rather than special privileges, regarding Krishna waters. He stressed that established legal mechanisms should be respected and applied equally to all riparian states. At the 31st Southern Zonal Council in Mahabalipuram, Vikramarka reiterated that Telangana maintains lower-riparian rights over surplus waters and seeks a time-bound, legally sustainable resolution of inter-state issues.

The Deputy CM highlighted that while states naturally compete for investment, industry, jobs, and talent, cooperation among southern states will become increasingly crucial in the future. He pointed out several unresolved issues between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, including the division of assets of certain Schedule X institutions, which the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014 does not support, except for the continuation of facilities under Section 75.

Vikramarka stressed the importance of closing these issues according to the Act to enable both states to progress. The Deputy CM identified water security, energy, climate resilience, urbanisation, logistics, and economic competitiveness as challenges that transcend state boundaries and require cooperation among southern states. He concluded by stating, "If southern India grows together, India grows faster."