The Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP) continues to be a focal point of political and investigative scrutiny in Telangana, with recent developments highlighting the complexities surrounding its planning and execution. Former Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) appeared before the Justice P.C. Ghose Commission, which is probing alleged irregularities in the project. During his testimony, KCR reportedly stated that while he envisioned the project and provided overall approval, the technical decisions were primarily taken by engineers.

The inquiry, which lasted approximately 50 minutes at BRKR Bhavan in Hyderabad, saw KCR questioned as a witness concerning the project, which has been marred by allegations of design flaws, cost overruns, and structural failures. He is said to have explained that all necessary permissions were secured before construction began and that redesigns were based on expert advice regarding water availability and inter-state issues, with administrative protocols being followed. He also submitted a book with details on the planning and execution.

KCR's appearance before the commission marks a politically sensitive moment, being one of the most high-profile investigations since the formation of Telangana. The project has faced criticism from the ruling Congress and BJP, who allege corruption in its construction. Conversely, the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), the party previously led by KCR, defends the project as a unique and beneficial endeavor for the state.

BRS working president K.T. Rama Rao has described the Kaleshwaram project as the "lifeline of Telangana" and criticized the inquiry as a "political vendetta" by the Congress and BJP. He argued that KCR should be felicitated for conceiving such a project, claiming that the commission is a diversion tactic.

The commission has already questioned numerous engineers and officials from the irrigation department as part of its ongoing investigation. Prior to KCR's appearance, his nephew and former Irrigation Minister T. Harish Rao, as well as BJP MP Eatala Rajender, who served as Finance Minister during the BRS government, had also testified before the panel.

The Kaleshwaram project, built at an estimated cost of over Rs 1 lakh crore during the BRS regime, has come under scrutiny due to structural issues, including reported sinking of piers at the Medigadda barrage. Telangana Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy has stated that the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) has deemed the project as possibly the "biggest man-made disaster" in the country. The damage to the barrages became a significant point of contention during the 2023 Telangana Assembly elections.

During KCR's appearance, hundreds of BRS leaders and activists gathered in support, while tight security measures were in place. KCR requested that no one be present during the questioning, a request that was accommodated by Justice P.C. Ghose. Sources indicate that the commission presented 18 questions to KCR during the session.