BRS condemns cancellation of farmers’ meet permission

Bharat Rashtra Samithi accused the Congress government of suppressing dissent after cancelling a farmers’ meeting in Wanaparthy district. Leaders plan to approach the High Court, backing protests against the proposed Gollapalli reservoir project

Hyderabad: The BRS accused the Congress government of suppressing dissent following the cancellation of approvals for a public meeting of farmers in Gollapalli village, scheduled on April 9. BRSLP deputy leader T Harish Rao was scheduled to address protesting farmers.

In a statement, former Minister S Niranjan Reddy condemned the move, stating that permission was revoked after arrangements were completed. The meeting was planned in support of farmers protesting for over 100 days against the proposed Gollapalli Reservoir in Wanaparthy district.

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He said the government prioritised the new reservoir despite the existing Yedula Reservoir’s capacity, while halting crucial works under the Palamuru-Rangareddy Lift Irrigation Scheme. He said farmers have been opposing the project, accusing the government of neglecting essential irrigation infrastructure.

The BRS leader termed the cancellation of meeting a deliberate attempt to block opposition outreach. He said the party would move the High Court to seek permission for the meeting, asserting that the government cannot suppress democratic rights and silence farmers’ concerns.