KTR demands support price for Telangana cotton, warns action against BJP leaders

ADILABAD: BRS Working President K Taraka Rama Rao demanded that Telangana cotton farmers be given the same support price as farmers in Gujarat.

Speaking at the "Rythu Porubata" meeting in Adilabad, KTR warned that if the support price was not implemented, local BJP MPs and MLAs would face protests. He declared that BRS would not rest until justice was served for Telangana farmers.

KTR pointed out that while Gujarat farmers were receiving a support price of Rs 8,800 per quintal, Telangana cotton farmers were being neglected. He also mentioned that the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) would begin purchasing in Adilabad soon but reiterated that the same support price provided in Gujarat must be applied in Telangana. He warned that BRS would pursue BJP leaders if this demand was not met.

“Is there one rule for Gujarat and another for Telangana? Our cotton is of better quality than Gujarat's," KTR said, emphasising the need to brand and promote Telangana cotton. He further stressed that industrial development in Telangana could benefit farmers, but it required the government's commitment.

KTR also launched a scathing attack on both Congress and BJP, calling them "two sides of the same coin." He accused Congress of making false promises to farmers and criticised BJP for failing to honour their commitments, including the revival of Cement Corporation of India in Telangana.

In a direct message to the BJP and Congress, KTR declared that BRS would fight for the rights of farmers, just as they had done on issues like farmer loan waivers and the "Rythu Bandhu" scheme. He urged farmers to pressure BJP leaders at cotton procurement centres, demanding the promised bonus and support price.

KTR also touched on recent protests by police constables' wives, criticising the Congress government for its poor governance and neglect of both police personnel and farmers. He expressed his readiness to go to jail if necessary, vowing to fight for the rights of Telangana's farmers and people.

KTR warned that no Congress leader would escape public scrutiny if cases were filed for their false promises and betrayals. He cautioned police and officials to work according to justice, stating that anyone misusing power would be held accountable when BRS was in power again.