MLC Dasoju Sravan slams Congress government’s drought response, calls Varuna Yagam a diversion

BRS MLC Dasoju Sravan accused the Congress government of failing to prepare for a possible drought despite warnings about El Nino. He criticised the lack of contingency plans, drought funds and irrigation measures, calling the Varuna Yagam an attempt to divert attention

Hyderabad: BRS MLC Dasoju Sravan launched a scathing attack on the Congress government over its administrative failure and lack of preparedness in tackling the drought situation despite repeated warnings about the El Nino phenomenon. He dubbed the State government’s Varuna Yagam at Nagarjuna Sagar as a mere diversion tactic.

In a statement, Sravan said the ruling Congress had abdicated its responsibility by relying on rituals instead of governance. He said that despite advance warnings from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the government neither conducted a comprehensive review nor prepared a contingency plan to mitigate the impact of deficient rainfall.

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Sravan said the Congress government failed to undertake even minor repairs at the Medigadda barrage and allowed River Godavari floodwaters to flow downstream instead of utilising them for Telangana’s irrigation needs. He also accused the Agriculture Department of failing to prepare farmers for a possible drought by promoting alternative crops, supplying suitable seed varieties and providing field-level guidance through agricultural extension officials.

The BRS MLC alleged that the State Budget contained no dedicated drought mitigation fund and lacked financial provisions for crop compensation, drinking water management or fodder security. He said the government failed to make scientific and financial preparations to address the crisis.

Criticising the government’s decision to conduct the Varuna Yagam, Sravan alleged that it was attempting to divert attention from its failures. He said the ruling dispensation had earlier accused BRS leader T Harish Rao of performing rituals to prevent rainfall, but was now resorting to religious ceremonies instead of discharging its governance responsibilities.

Stating that governments must first fulfil their responsibilities before seeking divine intervention, Sravan said the Congress government owed an explanation to farmers for its failure to prepare for the drought.