Telangana Assembly’s Winter Session begins quietly as KCR returns to the House, with opposition and government bracing for heated debates on water and governance.

The Winter Session of the Telangana Legislative Assembly opened on a subdued note on Monday, December 29, even as political undercurrents hinted at sharper debates ahead. The day marked the first appearance of K. Chandrashekar Rao in the House as Leader of the Opposition since the Congress assumed power, ending his prolonged absence from Assembly proceedings.

KCR’s presence, alongside senior Bharat Rashtra Samithi leaders including K. T. Rama Rao and T. Harish Rao, signaled a more confrontational session ahead despite the calm opening. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and several ministers greeted the former chief minister, reflecting a brief moment of civility before debates resumed.

During the initial proceedings, members observed silence in memory of two former legislators. Policy priorities flagged by the government include civic restructuring within the ORR limits, amendments to the state GST law, and employee rationalisation. In the Zero Hour, opposition members raised issues related to government employees, pension demands, and welfare schemes, while concerns over student scholarships and institutional funding were also voiced.

Outside the House, KTR said the opposition was prepared for detailed discussions on Krishna and Godavari water sharing and irrigation projects, while launching a sharp critique of the Chief Minister’s understanding of river basin management. He also raised questions over stalled projects and ongoing investigations, alleging diversionary tactics by the government.

Analysis: KCR’s return adds weight to opposition scrutiny and is likely to intensify debates on irrigation and governance. With water issues directly affecting farmers and urban supply, the session’s outcomes could have implications beyond political point-scoring.