Khammam: BRS leaders accuse Congress government of neglecting farmers

Rajya Sabha MP Vaddiraju Ravichandra and former MLA Sandra Venkata Veeraiah accused the Congress government of neglecting farmers affected by Cyclone Murasu in erstwhile Khammam. They criticised helicopter use by Ministers and demanded crop-loss surveys and compensation of Rs 50,000 per acre

Khammam: Rajya Sabha member Vaddiraju Ravichandra and ex-MLA Sandra Venkata Veeraiah took serious exception to the Congress government’s alleged negligent attitude in ensuring relief to farmers affected by cyclone Murasu in erstwhile Khammam.

Speaking to the media here on Saturday, they alleged that Congress Ministers and leaders were using helicopters as if they were on leisure trips, even as the State grapples with severe drought and Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy stated that the government was facing funds crunch.

---

Ravichandra stated that if the government has even a modicum of sense, it must treat the damage caused by the cyclone with the utmost seriousness. El Nino conditions triggered drought conditions while the cyclone which caused tanks to breach and submerged crops dealt a devastating, irreparable blow to the farmers, he said.

Despite crop losses spanning over 34,000 acres in Kothagudem and Khammam districts, the government has failed to submit an immediate report. The three ministers, Tummala Nageswara Rao, Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy and Bhatti Vikramarka represented the district that justice was not done to farmers, he complained.

The MP pointed out that the Ministers were taking up helicopter tours misuse of public funds while completely neglecting the farmers’ plight. The government must respond immediately and provide relief by announcing compensation of Rs. 50,000 per acre to every affected farmer.

Veeraiah noted that even though good roads and highways were available allowing for travel in just 2 to 3 hours helicopters were being misused despite the absence of any emergency. Further individuals without any official position were boarding government helicopters, making social media reels and flaunting their actions while squandering public funds, he said.

Questioning whether there were any rules or procedures governing the use of government helicopters, he criticised Congress leaders for limiting themselves to flashy social media publicity campaigns while farmers struggle amidst a drought and cyclone.

As of today, official orders have not been issued to conduct a survey or assess crop losses. The government should procure entire paddy damaged by rains and to establish procurement centres to support paddy farmers, as well as cotton farmers, they demanded.