The TDP supremo Mr Chandrababu Naidu will undertake a 20-day Padayatra from Jan 25 in Telangana demanding national status to the Pranahita - Chevella project.

Revealing this to media persons at the NTR Trust Bhavan this evening, TDP senior leaders Errabilli Dayakara rao and Devendar Goud said the Padayatra will cover 300-km stretch from Chevella of Ranga reddy district to Pranahita of Adilabad district.

The TDP leaders said they have in the past agitated seeking national status for the project but the government was unmoved by it. “We are agitating again seeking national status for the project,” they said.

Devendar Goud and Dayakara Rao alleged the government laid the foundation stone for the project without DPR and paid advances Rs.1120 Cr to the contractors without even starting the earth works.

“If the projects are really built, the Telangana area will flourish without any doubt,” they said, alleging that the late chief minister YSR called for tenders before the 2009 elections with an eye on votes in Telangana and awarded tenders for double the amount. “At least, the Centre should respond on or before Jan 25 or else our Padayatra will be held as scheduled,” they said. (JUBS)