Balka Suman accuses Congress of diverting focus from agrarian crisis

Former MLA Balka Suman accused the Congress government of diverting attention from crop losses by announcing a proposed barrage at Tummidi Hatti. He sought details of the project, questioned irrigation infrastructure utilisation and criticised the government’s treatment of farmers.

Hyderabad: Former MLA Balka Suman blamed the Congress government’s incompetence for crop losses in the State. He accused it of diverting public attention from the agrarian crisis by announcing plans for a barrage at Tummidihatti following discussions with Maharashtra.

Speaking at a press conference at Telangana Bhavan on Tuesday, Suman questioned the government’s claims and demanded that it disclose the detailed project report (DPR) of the proposed project, its estimated cost and the extent of the ayacut to be irrigated. He pointed out that the Central Water Commission (CWC) had raised doubts over adequate water availability at Tummidihatti, prompting the then BRS government to take up the Kaleshwaram project. He sought to know whether the Congress government had identified any fresh water source for the proposed project.

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The former MLA alleged that the Congress government had failed to utilise available irrigation infrastructure but was announcing new projects to divert public attention from its inefficiency. He challenged the government to explain the status of the Palamuru-Rangareddy lift irrigation scheme, the quantity of water lifted under the Sitarama project and the number of Devadula pumps operated.

“This is not a drought caused by nature, but one brought about by the Congress,” he said.

Accusing the government of intimidating farmers, Suman said notices were being issued to seed dealers against selling paddy seeds, while farmers were being asked to submit self-declarations before purchasing them. He cited protests by farmers in Metpally over the requirement.

The former MLA accused the Congress and BJP of colluding to shield each other on irrigation and power issues. He questioned the Centre’s handling of the Kaleshwaram project, particularly the National Dam Safety Authority’s report on Medigadda, and demanded clarity on repairs to the barrage.