In a significant move aimed at fostering inter-State cooperation, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday urged his Cabinet colleagues and senior party leaders to proactively address Telangana’s concerns regarding the Polavaram–Banakacherla linkage project. In the same breath, Mr. Naidu accused the neighbouring State of double standards, asserting that Telangana itself is executing multiple irrigation projects without requisite permissions.

According to sources, he made these comments at the State Cabinet meeting held at the A.P. Secretariat in Amaravati.

Mr. Naidu emphasised that the Polavaram–Banakacherla linkage project utilises only surplus floodwaters and does not pose any threat or disadvantage to Telangana. Andhra Pradesh is using only surplus floodwaters left after Telangana’s utilisation. It is purely for floodwater management. “No diversion of water would harm Telangana’s interests,” he said.

“While Telangana is going ahead with many projects without approvals, they now object to our legally compliant use of floodwaters. This is a politically motivated move,” he said.

The Chief Minister recalled that A.P. did not object to several projects in Telangana executed without inter-State approvals in the past, for the sake of harmony. ‘‘It is now our responsibility to clarify the facts to the public and counter misinformation.” The Ministers and alliance leaders should clearly explain this to the public. The leaders must counter misinformation with facts and not let political agendas distort the truth, he said.

Mr. Naidu informed the Cabinet that the State would move forward with the project in a phased manner, and make further decisions based on the response and guidance of the Central government. He also expressed willingness to involve the Centre directly to resolve the dispute. “If necessary, we should arrange a meeting through the Central government to clarify matters and reduce unnecessary friction. The Polavaram–Banakacharla project is sensitive, and our leaders must handle it with full understanding and responsibility,” Naidu advised.

IT Minister Nara Lokesh urged the Cabinet to finalise a date for laying the foundation stone for the project, stressing that delay could create further confusion and fuel misinformation. He said the government must act decisively and send a clear signal that it was committed to water equity and legal processes, according to sources.