Hyderabad: BRS Working President K.T. Rama Rao condemned the Vemula Prashanth Reddy house arrest and accused the Congress government of adopting an undemocratic approach towards leaders raising farmers’ issues.
The criticism came after police prevented former minister and Balkonda MLA Vemula Prashanth Reddy from attending a protest programme in Tadwai mandal of Ellareddy constituency. The protest was planned against the app-based system being used for urea distribution and issues related to fertiliser supply.
KTR said the government was trying to suppress leaders who questioned policies affecting farmers. He described the action against Prashanth Reddy as evidence of an anti-democratic attitude.
Vemula Prashanth Reddy house arrest sparks political criticism
KTR spoke to Prashanth Reddy over the phone following the police action. During the conversation, he expressed support for the former minister and criticised the government’s response to the issue.
According to KTR, farmers across the state were facing difficulties in obtaining urea. He said the government should focus on resolving the problem instead of taking action against those highlighting it.
Meanwhile, KTR alleged that the administration had failed to ensure adequate fertiliser supply. He also claimed that attempts to silence opposition leaders reflected the government’s inability to address farmers’ concerns.
The BRS leader criticised the implementation of the urea distribution app and said farmers were facing inconvenience because of the system. He argued that the government should listen to the concerns of cultivators instead of responding through restrictions and police action.
KTR further stated that raising public issues and questioning the government were constitutional rights of the opposition. He maintained that house arrests, restrictions and intimidation would not deter BRS leaders or farmers from continuing their efforts on issues affecting the agricultural community.