Telangana Farmers’ Commission chief sparks row over power remarks

Telangana Farmers’ Commission Chairman M Kodanda Reddy triggered controversy after stating that farmers required only three hours of electricity supply for agricultural operations. Opposition parties and farmers’ organisations criticised the remarks, alleging they signalled attempts to weaken the 24-hour free power scheme.

Hyderabad: Senior Congress leader and Telangana Farmers’ Commission Chairman M Kodanda Reddy triggered a political storm on Friday after stating that farmers do not require a 24-hour electricity supply and that three hours were sufficient for agricultural operations.

Speaking before the Telangana Electricity Regulatory Commission during a public hearing on the proposed “Rythu DISCOM,” Kodanda Reddy remarked that uninterrupted round-the-clock power supply was unnecessary. He said electricity supply for a few hours was enough to operate farm motors and provide water to fields.

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“Farmers do not need a 24-hour power supply. They might need up to three hours to irrigate the entire field. Farming is being done this way till date,” he said while explaining the need for the new discom.

The comments received immediate backlash from opposition parties, particularly the BRS, which accused the Congress government of exposing its “anti-farmer mindset.” BRS leaders alleged that the remarks reinforced fears that the government was preparing to gradually dilute the 24-hour free power supply scheme introduced during the previous regime.

Several farmers’ organisations questioned how agriculture, which depends on borewells and irregular groundwater conditions, could function with limited power supply.