BRS leaders hit back at Tummala Nageswara Rao over remarks on Harish Rao

Senior BRS leaders criticised Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao for personal remarks against T Harish Rao, demanding answers on farm issues, fertiliser supply and irrigation. They also raised concerns over Khammam development and alleged administrative failures.

Hyderabad: Senior BRS leaders on Tuesday gave a strong counter to Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao over his personal criticism of BRSLP deputy leader T Harish Rao, rather than responding to the issues raised. They demanded that he spell out his contribution to the development of agriculture in the State and the development of the erstwhile Khammam district.

Speaking to mediapersons at Telangana Bhavan on Tuesday, former Minister Puvvada Ajay Kumar said Harish Rao had recently toured Khammam and challenged the government on the Congress government’s claims of implementing cent per cent farm loan waiver. He said instead of responding to the challenge, Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao resorted to a personal attack.

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He pointed out that the Minister also failed to respond on the State government’s failure to ensure the timely supply of fertilisers and crop procurement. “Is it wrong to question the government on these issues?” he asked.

Ajay Kumar raised concerns over the alleged neglect of the Sitarama Project and questioned the failure of the Minister during flood situations in Munneru Rivulet. He took a sharp dig at Tummala Nageswara Rao for political opportunism and questioned his contributions to Khammam, which he said remained negligible despite holding ministerial posts across governments. Instead, he alleged that the Minister indulged in large-scale land encroachments and irregularities.

Rajya Sabha MP Vaddiraju Ravichandra stated that Harish Rao raised legitimate questions on farm distress and unfulfilled promises during his Khammam visit. He criticised Tummala Nageswara Rao for making baseless remarks instead of offering clarifications.

MLC Thatha Madhu called Nageswara Rao an ineffective Minister who failed to ensure basic agricultural support to farmers. He questioned the execution of irrigation projects and accused the Minister of prioritising political gains over development.