Hyderabad: Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay wrote to Chief Minister Revanth Reddy on Friday, accusing the Congress government in Telangana of failing farmers and ignoring its own promises.
In a strongly worded letter, Bandi Sanjay stated that cultivators across the state are suffering in extreme heat, hot winds, and untimely rains while trying to sell paddy, maize, chickpeas, and sunflower produce. He highlighted that many farmers have been waiting for days at procurement centres, falling sick from dehydration and heatstroke, while the government remains indifferent.
Bandi Sanjay noted that the Congress had repeatedly projected itself as a farmer-friendly government, but promises made in the Warangal Declaration, Raipur AICC Farmer Resolution, and Abhaya Hastham manifesto have not been fulfilled. He alleged that tenant farmers and landless labourers have not received the promised 12,000 annual support under Indiramma Rythu Bharosa. He also claimed that crop loss compensation remains far below what was promised, despite alleged damage to over five lakh acres.
The minister demanded immediate payment of the promised 500 bonus per quintal for paddy during the Rabi season. He said the bonus has been ignored for multiple seasons and that farmers are being cheated by middlemen under the pretext of moisture content, causing losses of 3 to 6 kg per quintal. He urged the state to ensure every grain is purchased at MSP, provide tarpaulins and basic facilities at procurement centres, and file criminal cases against exploitative traders. He warned that if the government fails to act, the BJP will launch large-scale protests in support of farmers.
