Hyderabad: BJP State President N Ramchander Rao alleged that the Telangana government had neglected farmers interests and failed to address problems faced by farmers during the grain procurement season.
Speaking to the media at Yadagirigutta in Bhongir district, Rao said BJP leaders had observed serious difficulties at grain procurement centres during a visit last month. He said the slow pace of procurement had caused hardship for farmers and exposed grain stocks to rain damage.
According to Rao, millers did not respond adequately, which created a situation where farmers were unable to sell their produce at the Minimum Support Price (MSP). He claimed procurement accelerated only after BJP MPs, MLAs, MLCs and party leaders staged protests at procurement centres across Telangana.
Rao said the Congress had promised before the elections to procure every grain produced by farmers. However, he alleged that the government had failed to fulfil that commitment.
Farmers interests neglect reflected in procurement delays
The BJP leader maintained that grain procurement was entirely the responsibility of the state government. He said the Central government reimbursed procurement expenses, warehousing charges and transportation costs.
Rao stated that large-scale grain procurement had been carried out across the country, including in Telangana. Therefore, he said allegations against the Centre were unjustified.
He argued that the state government should estimate crop yields in advance, send the required procurement intent to the Centre and organise procurement accordingly. He questioned why procurement was not taking place even for the quantity reserved by the state.
The BJP chief also challenged Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy to explain what the Congress government had achieved during its two years in office. He alleged that the government had failed to attract new investments, clear dues of retired employees and properly implement the Rythu Bharosa scheme.
Rao further claimed that government employees were not receiving salaries on time and unemployed youth were not getting jobs.
Farmers interests neglect among wider governance concerns
Criticising the Congress government, Rao demanded clarity on the implementation of the six guarantees promised by the party. He alleged that commitments made in the Warangal Declaration, Khammam Declaration and Hyderabad Declaration remained unfulfilled.
He also questioned the status of the Yuva Guarantee, SC Guarantee and other welfare promises announced by Congress.
Rao alleged that Congress leaders were spreading false propaganda against the BJP because the party was gaining strength in Telangana. He urged the Chief Minister to avoid personal remarks against BJP leaders and focus on implementing promises made to the people.
“First, he must implement the six guarantees given to the people. Otherwise, we warn that a revolt from the public in the villages is inevitable,” Rao said.
The BJP leader said the Central government had maintained a cooperative approach towards MMTS and Metro Rail projects. He added that the Centre was prepared to support Hyderabad’s development if the state government completed responsibilities such as preparing detailed project reports and acquiring land.
Rao further alleged that Congress and BRS shared similar positions on issues such as One Nation, One Election and reservations. He claimed both parties were working together because of concerns over the BJP’s growth in the state.
He rejected allegations of any understanding between the BJP and BRS, including for Lok Sabha elections. He said the BJP would continue to work for Telangana’s development and farmers’ welfare.
Expressing confidence in the party’s future, Rao said people would recognise the facts and strengthen the BJP further.
He was in Bhongir to participate in BJP training classes. Rao said the party had completed training programmes in most districts, with only Bhadradri Kothagudem, Vikarabad and Nalgonda remaining. He added that the programme in Nalgonda would conclude by Wednesday.