Upset KCR calls Krishna Board chief a stupid

HYDERABAD: Upset with the directive of the Krishna River Management Board (KRMB) to stop power generation at the Srisailam reservoir, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao on Sunday flew off the handle at the board's Chairman, calling him a 'nincompoop.'

Speaking at a public meeting at Malkajiri after inaugurating a drinking water scheme, an emotional KCR thundered, 'Who is he? Who is that Krishna Board Chairman? Does he have a head on his shoulders?... nincompoop!'

The board has recently directed Telangana to stop power generation at Srisailam by Nov 2 despite its submission that such a step would deprive farmers in the State of much-needed power.

The Chief Minister recalled that his government had explained to the board, citing records of the last 19 years, that water level at the reservoir was never above 800 ft.

He said during the TDP and Congress rule, power was generated at Srisailam even when the water level was as low as 760 ft. 'These are not mere statements. These are all facts and figures available from government records. But the AP government is creating an unnecessary controversy even when the water level is at 859 ft,' he pointed out.

Holding his AP counterpart N Chandrababu Naidu responsible for the power crisis in the State, KCR accused him of leaving no stone un turned to deny Telangana of its due share in power.

'Naidu has taken a pledge to see to it that crops in Telangana wither away. We will not let this happen. If need be, we will buy power at `20 per unit,' he asserted.

Stating that power crisis in the State was the result of the 'unfortunate' legacy of both the Congress and the TDP, the Chief Minister accused both the parties of trying to hinder development in Hyderabad and the State at large.

'Do I or my ministers have some kind of Aladdin's magic lamp? We are striving hard to develop the State while the TDP and Congress are trying hard to put a spoke in the wheel,' he said.

Taking the fight to the opposition camp, he said he was ready to hold a public meeting in Vijawayada and expose Naidu. 'He had promised to waive crop and Dwcra loans but hasn't kept his promise. He had promised to crackdown on belt shops. Instead, he is now promoting a liquor policy to get money,' he alleged.

He said if need be, he would hold a meeting in Vijayawada to fight for the cause of the aam aadmi in Andhra Pradesh, specifically farmers, and expose Chandrababu Naidu.