Harish Rao Criticizes Telangana Government Over Failed Farmers' Declaration Promises
BRS leader T. Harish Rao has criticized the Telangana government for allegedly failing to fulfill election promises regarding the farmers' declaration. He highlighted grievances over MSP bonuses, crop procurement limitations, and inadequate supply of fertilizers, while citing significant outstanding agricultural dues.
Highlights
- •T. Harish Rao accused the Telangana government of abandoning election promises made to farmers.
- •The administration is criticized for failing to provide the promised Rs 500 MSP bonus.
- •Restrictions on urea distribution are reportedly hindering the cultivation of paddy and chilli.
- •Concerns raised over Rs 29,358 crore in unpaid Rythu Bharosa dues and delayed insurance benefits.
Senior Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader and former minister T. Harish Rao has launched a sharp critique against the current government, led by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy. Addressing a gathering in Siddipet, Harish Rao accused the administration of failing to uphold key agricultural promises, specifically those outlined in the farmers' declaration associated with Rahul Gandhi.
The primary point of contention revolves around the Telangana farmers' declaration, which initially promised a bonus of Rs 500 above the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for all agricultural produce. Harish Rao emphasized that the government has now effectively abandoned this commitment, stating clearly that it will neither facilitate the promised bonus payments nor ensure the procurement of all harvested crops from the farming community.
Concerns Over Crop Procurement and Agricultural Policies
The former minister highlighted that the state government’s current policy—limiting procurement strictly to crops and quantities sanctioned by the central authorities—is a profound betrayal of the commitments made to the electorate prior to the state elections. Harish Rao noted that the previous BRS administration had taken a more proactive role in crop procurement, even during instances when central support was not readily available. He argued that the current administration should offer an unconditional apology to the farmers for reversing these critical campaign pledges.
Furthermore, Harish Rao expressed significant alarm regarding the logistical challenges affecting the supply of essential agricultural inputs. He pointed specifically to the current app-based system for distributing urea, which he claims is severely restricting access for cultivators. According to Harish Rao, the limitation of two bags per farmer is inadequate for those growing crops such as paddy and chilli, which require higher quantities for optimal yield.
The discussion also touched upon the financial strain facing the agricultural sector. The leader pointed out that the government currently owes approximately Rs 29,358 crore in outstanding Rythu Bharosa payments. Additionally, he alleged that administrative delays in transferring premiums to LIC have resulted in a failure to provide timely Rythu Bima benefits to the families of affected farmers. The critique concluded by noting concerns over the introduction of new fine rice varieties for bonus payments, which he suggested are susceptible to pests and could result in diminished overall yields, thereby causing financial hardships for producers regardless of any bonus scheme.
