Hyderabad:Irrigation minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, who is AICC senior observer for Maharashtra’s Marathwada region, announced that the long-pending Lendi inter-state irrigation project between the two states would be expedited after the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance returned to power.
Addressing a campaign rally in Mukhed Assembly constituency on Friday, Uttam Kumar Reddy stressed the MVA coalition’s commitment to welfare-driven governance. He was joined by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and industries minister M.B. Patil.
Uttam Kumar Reddy predicted a landslide victory for the MVA, comprising the Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP (Sharad Pawar), expecting the alliance to secure over 200 seats. Highlighting the coalition's success in the recent Lok Sabha elections, where it captured 31 of Maharashtra's 48 seats, Uttam Kumar Reddy termed the Assembly polls as a referendum on the BJP's policies and a decisive moment for the state’s future.
“The Congress-led governments in Karnataka, Telangana, and Himachal Pradesh have delivered on their promises, setting benchmarks in welfare schemes. These successes will serve as a roadmap for MVA governance in Maharashtra,” he asserted.
Uttam Kumar Reddy spotlighted initiatives like free bus travel for women, subsidised LPG cylinders, and free electricity as examples of Congress’s commitment to people-centric policies. He promised that similar schemes, tailored to Maharashtra’s needs, would be implemented under MVA rule.
Reiterating the MVA’s focus on agricultural development, he assured said the Lendi irrigation project, which aims to benefit farmers in Maharashtra and Telangana, would be prioritised. “We will resolve all inter-state issues and launch this critical project to boost agriculture and rural livelihoods,” he said.
He accused the BJP-led government in Maharashtra of fostering divisive politics and mismanaging the state's economic resources. He condemned the transfer of industrial projects to Gujarat, calling it a betrayal of Maharashtra’s economic interests.
“The BJP has damaged Maharashtra’s progress and betrayed public trust. This election is about reclaiming the state’s dignity and ensuring its inclusive development,” he stated.
Uttam Kuimar Reddy called the Maharashtra polls a turning point for the country. “An MVA victory will be a victory for democracy, secularism, and the values that unite India,” he said. Uttam urged voters to choose the MVA for a progressive and inclusive Maharashtra, vowing to uphold the state’s legacy of reform and innovation.
