BRS accuses Congress government of politicising drought-hit mandals

The BRS accused the Congress government of selectively declaring drought-hit mandals in Telangana. Former Minister V Srinivas Goud sought drought status for erstwhile Mahabubnagar district, crop-loss compensation, advance Rythu Bandhu payments, assistance for agricultural labourers and an official crop-damage assessment.

Mahabubnagar: The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) has accused the Congress government of playing politics over the declaration of drought-hit mandals in Telangana, despite widespread crop losses and distress among farmers.

Former Minister V Srinivas Goud criticised the government during a visit to withered crops in Lingannapalli village of Hanwada mandal on Thursday. He also staged a large protest with farmers in front of the Vepuru substation.

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Srinivas Goud demanded that the erstwhile Mahabubnagar district be declared drought-hit and provided with a special relief package.

He alleged that the government had discriminated in identifying drought-affected mandals. Crops had failed across the region, and farmers had suffered heavy losses due to low yields, including in cotton. He said the government was wrong to declare only a few mandals drought-hit while leaving out others.

He also demanded the immediate release of Rythu Bandhu investment support for the Yasangi season. Farmers had already suffered heavy losses after their Vanakalam crops withered before harvest. Srinivas Goud said the government should release the Rythu Bandhu funds for the Yasangi season in advance.

“The government should provide compensation of Rs 25,000 per acre to every farmer whose crops have dried up,” Srinivas Goud said.

He also sought a special financial assistance package for agricultural labourers who depend on farming for their livelihood.

The BRS demanded immediate relief of Rs 36,000 for agricultural labourers. The amount represents three years of assistance at Rs 12,000 per year, as promised in the Congress party’s election manifesto. The party said the funds would help labourers cope with the current crisis.

It warned that labourers could again be forced to leave their homes and migrate to Mumbai, Hyderabad or other regions in search of work if they did not receive assistance.

Srinivas Goud also called for the immediate formation of a special team of officials to assess crop damage in drought-affected areas and provide relief to farmers.

He warned that the government could not consider its responsibility fulfilled by declaring a few mandals drought-hit without providing further assistance. He said the BRS would organise a massive protest if the government failed to act.