Goyal’s comments spark outrage in Telangana

Hyderabad: Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Piyush Goyal’s reported comments asking Telangana government to get people habituated to consuming broken rice sparked outrage in the State with people from different sections of society questioning the union Minister in having the audacity to make such a suggestion. Several people, peeved by the […]

Hyderabad: Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Piyush Goyal’s reported comments asking Telangana government to get people habituated to consuming broken rice sparked outrage in the State with people from different sections of society questioning the union Minister in having the audacity to make such a suggestion.

Several people, peeved by the comments, demanded that the union Minister withdraw his comments and tender an unconditional apology to the people of Telangana. Goyal reportedly made the comment when Agriculture Minister S Niranjan Reddy along with other Ministers met him on Thursday in New Delhi to urge the Centre to procure the entire paddy procured in Telangana as was being done in the case of Punjab.

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Telangana Rythu Sangham State Secretary T Sagar, slamming Goyal for the uncalled for remarks, said it amounted to humiliation of the people of Telangana. “The union Minister should withdraw his comments immediately,” Sagar demanded, adding that paddy procurement was Centre’s responsibility. “When it can procure the entire paddy from Punjab, why can’t it do the same in the case of Telangana?” Sagar questioned, adding that the union Minister was only trying to wash his hands off the procurement issue.

All India Turmeric Farmers Association national vice president Narsimham Naidu said this was a disgrace to the entire farming community of Telangana. “Goyal’s comments reflect the true colours of the BJP government at the Centre. His comments have hurt the self-respect of people of Telangana and speaks volume of the BJP government’s arrogance,” Naidu said, and appealed to all sections of society to condemn the union Minister’s comments.

Nayee Brahmana Association president R Balakrishna said the Central government was unable to stomach the rapid growth and development taking place in Telangana. “Goyal is trying to politicise the paddy procurement issue. It is not wise on his part to ask Telangana people to consume broken rice,” he said, adding that Goyal should desist from making such irresponsible comments. “What does the BJP State president Bandi Sanjay have to say about the union Minister’s comments?” Balakrishna asked.

CITU City Secretary M Venkatesh said the union Minister should bear in mind that fair price shop dealers also supply fine variety of rice in Telangana. “Students in Gurukuls and other institutions are served fine variety rice and Telangana people do not consume broken rice anymore,” he said.

“Asking the people of Telangana to consume broken rice does not solve the paddy procurement issue. How can a Central Minister ask people to consume broken rice?” questioned Venkatesh.

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