BRS Leader KTR Criticises State Government Over Crop Procurement Delays

Hyderabad: The Bharat Rashtra Samithi's working president K. T. Rama Rao has launched a scathing attack on Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, holding the government responsible for a deepening procurement crisis that has left farmers in distress.

In a strongly-worded open letter, KTR questioned the Chief Minister's apparent inaction as the situation deteriorates at procurement centres throughout the state. He alleged that farmers are experiencing severe hardship while authorities remain unresponsive to the mounting crisis.

KTR pointed out that despite repeated farmer protests, road blockades, and demonstrations across Telangana, the government has failed to accelerate crop purchases. He claimed that numerous farmers have suffered significant losses due to procurement delays, with some reportedly losing their lives at or near procurement facilities.

The BRS leader highlighted sluggish procurement operations in districts such as Warangal and Khammam, noting that many centres are processing minimal quantities—in some cases, not even a single truckload of grain daily. KTR further alleged that officials are imposing excessive deductions during the procurement process.

Farmers are also facing additional financial burdens, according to KTR, including deposits required for gunny bags and the challenge of protecting paddy stocks from unseasonal rainfall. He contended that the Congress administration has reneged on electoral promises to farmers, particularly regarding bonus payments, and has dismantled welfare schemes that were in place during the previous BRS government under K. Chandrashekar Rao.

Ahead of a Cabinet meeting scheduled for May 23, KTR has urged the government to implement corrective measures. His specific demands include immediate procurement of crops currently stockpiled at centres and compensation of Rs 25 lakh for each family of farmers who have died at procurement centres.

The opposition leader cautioned that farmer frustration over the procurement situation is intensifying across the state, signalling potential escalation if the crisis remains unaddressed.