KCR-led govt failed to fulfil promises, rise in revolt: Revanth writes to Telangana farmers

Hyderabad: In an open letter to Telangana farmers, Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) president A Revanth Reddy has called for action against the K Chandrashekar Rao-led government, accusing it of cheating farmers on loan waiver, grain procurement, and Podu lands.

In his letter, Reddy urged farmers to confront political leaders and demand solutions to their problems.

“Farmers are dying in large numbers. They are heavily in debt and many are committing suicide. I am concerned about the plight of farmers and I do not want their struggles to be exploited for political gain,” he said.

Revanth Reddy, in his letter, criticised the ruling party for not fulfilling its promise of farm loan waivers. He said, “The party had used farmers’ platforms as mere political ornaments and the government had not kept its promise of a Rs 1 lakh loan waiver.” Reddy highlighted the disappointment and frustration felt by farmers who had been waiting for the loan waiver for years.

Reddy also criticised the delay in payment of arrears for grain procurements. He pointed out that the government had failed to set up grain-buying centres on time and that this had led to the loss of lives due to delays in payment. He also expressed his anguish at the absence of necessary facilities like tarpaulins, which had led to farmers suffering during rainy seasons.

Reddy stated, “Even after weighing it, they delayed in the name of shortage of lorries. The orders issued to deposit money in farmers’ accounts within 48 hours of grain collection were limited to papers.”

Podu lands promise

Another significant concern highlighted in the letter was the issue of Podu lands. Reddy said, “The government grabbed assigned land from poor tribal and Dalit families while exploiting the rush for Podu land pattas for political gain. The government failed to provide land to deserving families, and this is a matter of urgency.”

Reddy also criticised the government for a series of broken promises, including the promise of free fertilisers, 24 hours of free electricity, and support prices for crops. The government supported anti-farmer laws and failed to provide adequate compensation for damaged crops or timely crop insurance.

Reddy urged farmers to hold the TRS accountable for its promises and said, “Let’s ensure either we get the problems solved or the TRS will be voted out of power.”

Background

TPCC president A Revanth Reddy sparked controversy with his comments on July 11 during his visit to the TANA conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, where he allegedly said that 24-hour free electricity is unnecessary for farmers in Telangana.

During the conference, Revanth Reddy said, “About 95 per cent of farmers own about three acres of land, and need three hours of electricity. So, a total of eight hours of free electricity is sufficient. However, Telangana CM K Chandrashekar Rao introduced the free electricity scheme which is unnecessary.” Revanth Reddy argued that a total of eight hours of free electricity would adequately cater to the majority of farmers in the state.