Soybean procurement row: Police detain former minister Jogu Ramanna

Former minister Jogu Ramanna was detained while leading a BRS protest demanding soybean procurement and relief for farmers’ issues. The bandh disrupted transport and daily life, with shops and schools shut as farmer groups extended solidarity

Adilabad: Former minister Jogu Ramanna flayed the State government for failing to address the challenges faced by farmers. He was detained for taking part in a protest against the government, demanding procurement of soybean produce and the resolution of other farmers’ issues here early on Tuesday morning.

Ramanna, along with cadres of the Bharatiya Rashtra Samithi (BRS), staged a sit-in in front of the TGRTC depot as part of the bandh. They raised slogans against the government, accusing it of neglecting the problems of the agrarian community. Ramanna said farmers were facing a slew of challenges and urged the government to take steps to ensure smooth procurement of soybean produce.

---

On learning about the protest, police rushed to the spot and attempted to prevent the cadres from stopping buses. Police and the protesters jostled with each other. Ramanna, along with other BRS leaders, was arrested and shifted to Mavala police station.

Various farmer organisations, people’s organisations and commercial establishments extended solidarity to the bandh. Shops and educational institutions remained closed, while police personnel were deployed to prevent untoward incidents. Roads wore a deserted look and TGRTC buses were confined to depots.