Vows of buying wet paddy by Congress govt bogus: Harish Rao

JAGTIAL: Former minister and Siddipet MLA T. Harish Rao strongly criticised the Congress government led by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, for lapses in paddy procurement, accusing it of neglecting farmers.

Harish Rao interacted with farmers about their grievances during a surprise inspection at the paddy procurement centre in Pudur, Kodimial mandal, Jagtial district.

Speaking on the occasion, Harish Rao stated, "Farmers are facing serious difficulties at procurement centres across the state. The claims made by the Congress Government that it purchased wet grain are completely false. In reality, the farmers are struggling in selling off their produce."

Ramesh and Lakshmareddy, two farmers at the Pudur centre, shared their experiences with Harish Rao. They brought grain to the centre a month ago, and rain damaged their stocks, causing significant losses as the grain began to sprout. Farmers have been waiting weeks to sell their grain, with some waiting as long as 40 days. The non-purchase of paddy has forced many to sell to middlemen at lower prices.

Harish Rao accused the Revanth Reddy government of betraying farmers by not fulfilling pre-election promises, such as increasing Rythu Bandhu to Rs 7,500 within 100 days, providing a Rs 500 bonus per quintal of paddy, and waiving crop loans up to Rs 2 lakh. Other promises included financial assistance of Rs 12,000 to agricultural labourers and Rs 15,000 to tenant farmers. He emphasised that none of these promises have been kept.

He contrasted the current situation with the previous KCR government, which purchased 67 lakh metric tons of paddy during Yasangi, while the Congress government has not even reached 37 lakh metric tons. He criticised the government for not purchasing paddy and depriving farmers of the promised bonus by limiting it to fine rice only.

Harish Rao also accused the Congress government of humiliating farmers. He noted that some ministers had referred to protesting farmers as "dogs" and dismissed their demands as mere "barking." Additionally, he highlighted an incident where a minister threatened to beat a farmer with his shoe.

He urged farmers not to lose hope and assured them that the BRS would continue to fight for their rights. He called the Congress Government to honour their promises and address the farmers' grievances.