In a scathing critique, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) Working President K.T. Rama Rao expressed strong disapproval of the Congress party’s statement that farmers do not need free electricity. He accused the Congress of disregarding the welfare of farmers and adopting an anti-farmer stance. Highlighting Congress’s assertion that farmers do not require free electricity, KTR condemned their anti-farmer policies and their statement to reduce electricity supply from 24-hours to a mere three-hours. He emphasized the significance of free electricity for Telangana farmers, equating it to an essential lifeline that Congress is threatening to sever. This reflects the Congress’s malevolent mindset and indifference towards the farming community.
KTR further pointed out the Congress party’s history of implementing anti-farmer policies and drew attention to their recent demand to cancel Dharani portal and their opposition to Rythu Bandhu. He called upon the farmers of Telangana to resist the conspiracies orchestrated by the Congress to stop free power supply.
The Minister stressed that the people of Telangana will never forget the adversities endured by farmers during the Congress regime. He highlighted the challenges faced by farmers, including droughts, anti-farmer policies, and debt crisis, which tragically led to suicides. Power cuts disrupted their lives and plunged them into distress. However, he said, the situation significantly improved over the past 9 years, and instances of burning motors, exploding transformers, and crop failures that were witnessed during Congress rule have diminished considerably.
KTR stated that farmers are unwilling to revert to the conditions experienced under Congress rule, where they had to resort to purchasing fertilizers from police stations and endured long queues. He also brought attention to the issue of spurious seeds during the Congress’s tenure.
After the formation of Telangana, the BRS government, under the leadership of K. Chandrashekar Rao, prioritized the well-being of farmers. Initiatives such as Kaleshwaram Project and Mission Kakatiya substantially increased groundwater levels, enabling farmers to cultivate two crops. KTR affirmed the State government’s unwavering commitment to provide 24-hour free electricity, even in the face of attempts by the BJP government to introduce meters to agriculture motors. Further, he underscored that the State government let go of a staggering sum of Rs 30,000 crore but did not compromise on ensuring welfare of farmers.
The Minister alleged that the Congress party harbors envy towards Telangana’s success as a major rice supplier to the country. He said that Congress shamelessly seeks to revive the era of land exploitation by brokers through their intent to cancel the Dharani portal. KTR called for resolute action against those opposing free electricity and asserted the need to confront those who argue that three hours of electricity are sufficient. He urged the people to unite against Congress, which exploits farmers and stand firmly alongside the pro-farmer BRS government.
