BRS accuses Congress of neglecting farmers amid El Nino threat, demands action plan

BRS deputy floor leader T Harish Rao accused the Congress government in Telangana of failing to prepare for El Niño risks and mounting agricultural distress. He demanded an action plan covering water shortages, power cuts, welfare payments and alternative livelihoods

Hyderabad: The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) has accused the Congress government of failing to prepare for the El Niño threat and mounting agricultural distress, and demanded an immediate action plan to protect farmers, farm labourers and standing crops from drought, power cuts and water shortages.

Addressing a press conference at Telangana Bhavan here on Monday, BRS deputy floor leader T Harish Rao questioned the government’s handling of a video conference with farmers scheduled for Monday. He said it had been repeatedly cancelled after officials asked farmers to assemble at Rythu Vedikas. He added that the Chief Minister’s absence and the shifting schedule indicated the government’s lack of seriousness about the crisis.

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“The government appears to have no seriousness about protecting farmers’ crops and livelihoods. The Chief Minister and the Ministers cancelled the proposed Cabinet meeting on the El Niño crisis to draw up a contingency action plan and rushed to Delhi. What is more important than the farmers of the State? Is this how seriously this government takes farmers?” he asked.

The BRS Legislature Party (BRSLP) deputy leader said global scientists and Indian agencies had been warning about El Niño for nine months, but the Congress government in Telangana had failed to explain what preventive measures it had taken. He criticised the government for asking farmers not to cultivate crops without announcing a contingency plan. He demanded clarity on alternative livelihood support for farmers and farm labourers, as well as on the release of Rythu Bharosa funds for the upcoming Yasangi (Rabi) season if farmers were being advised against cultivation during the season.

He sought to know whether the government was prepared to provide a bonus of Rs 500 per quintal for paddy during the current season and additional financial assistance to farmers facing difficulties. He also questioned the delay in implementing Indiramma Atmeeya Bharosa for eligible poor families.

Harish Rao accused the Congress government of forcing farmers and farm labourers to migrate because of its alleged failure to lift river water and ensure adequate supplies for irrigation, drinking and industrial needs. He also questioned why irrigation projects, including the Devadula, Kannepalli and Kalwakurthy lift irrigation projects, were not being fully utilised despite water being available.

The former Irrigation Minister alleged that inadequate coal stocks and the failure to secure power purchase agreements had contributed to electricity shortages, leaving farmers with erratic power supply and crops drying up. He criticised Ministers for claiming that power was unavailable even when the government was willing to purchase it at Rs 10–15 per unit, and questioned why power purchase agreements had not been signed in advance.

On Singur, Harish Rao sought accountability for delayed repairs, stating that the reservoir’s storage had fallen sharply and that industries, including liquor manufacturers, were being prioritised over drinking water and irrigation needs. He also questioned the cases filed against farmers who allegedly drew water from the Jurala project to save their crops, while demanding action over water allocations to industries. He pointed out that the government was issuing notices to BHEL, BDL and IIT-Hyderabad, informing them that water supplies could not be continued at current levels.

Harish Rao said the families of farmers who had died since August were awaiting Rythu Bima payments. He demanded the immediate release of pending Rythu Bandhu and Rythu Bima funds, reliable power supply, better utilisation of available water and alternative livelihood support for farm workers.

“Stop frightening farmers by advising them not to sow crops. Instead, announce a comprehensive action plan to address power cuts and water shortages,” he demanded.