Harish Rao slams Congress government for tenant farmer’s suicide in Khammam

BRS MLA T Harish Rao held the Congress government responsible for the suicide of tenant farmer Banoth Veeranna in Khammam, alleging betrayal of farmers and unfulfilled promises. He demanded ex-gratia support for the family and urged the Chief Minister to address farmers’ distress.

Hyderabad: Senior BRS MLA and former Minister T Harish Rao held the Congress government responsible for the suicide of tenant farmer Banoth Veeranna in Nelakondapalli of Khammam district. He termed it evidence of the betrayal inflicted on farmers by the ruling dispensation, calling it a murder committed by the Congress government.

In a selfie video, the 45-year-old farmer consumed pesticide and committed suicide, citing mounting debts and lack of price for his produce.

---

Harish Rao said Veeranna’s death exposed the grim reality of tenant farmers being pushed to such desperate measures. “The government promised Rs 15,000 annual support to tenant farmers, signed bond papers before elections, and cheated them after coming to power,” he said, accusing the Revanth Reddy administration of abandoning those who toil to ensure the State’s food security.

He stated that the government’s failure to ensure crop procurement, support prices, and protection from middlemen was driving farmers into hopelessness. “How many more deaths will it take for this government to wake up?” he asked.

The senior BRS leader urged Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, who is scheduled to visit Khammam district on Tuesday, to meet the bereaved family and announce immediate ex-gratia and support for Veeranna’s family.

Harish Rao said farmers would continue to pay the price for governmental apathy unless promises were honoured. He appealed to farmers not to lose hope, asserting that the BRS would stand with them until justice is delivered.