Tadepalli, July 11: Former Minister Perni Venkatramaiah (Nani), speaking at a press conference at the YSRCP Central Office in Tadepalli, asserted that YSRCP chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has emerged as the sole champion for distressed farmers, stepping in wherever the government has faltered. “The coalition government has abandoned farmers, leaving them in distress, while YS Jagan stands as their unwavering support,” Perni declared.
Perni highlighted the government’s failure to provide minimum support prices (MSP) for crops like chillies, tobacco, mangoes, bananas, paddy, and cocoa, leaving farmers in distress. “This ‘double-engine’ government, with BJP at the Centre and the coalition in the state, has drowned farmers in misery with empty promises,” he said. He noted that the Agriculture Minister focuses on criticizing YS Jagan rather than addressing farmers’ protests, while middlemen exploit farmers without government intervention.
YS Jagan’s tours, such as to Bangarupalyam for mango farmers, have forced the government into last-minute actions. The government obstructed YS Jagan’s visits, delaying helipad permissions and filing cases against protesting farmers. “On July 9, mango purchases were halted, leading farmers to dump produce on roads, only to face vindictive police cases,” he said, challenging TDP leaders to prove they granted helipad permissions.
Perni debunked claims of 80-90% mango procurement, citing the district collector’s statement to the BBC on July 7 that only 67% was procured. “No farmer received Rs. 8 per kg or the promised Rs. 4 subsidy. The Rs. 260 crore allocation lacks a GO, finance concurrence, or fund release,” he said, demanding immediate orders and subsidized Totapuri mango procurement across all regions, not just Tirupati, Annamayya, and Chittoor. He noted that prices have improved to Rs. 6-6.50 per kg in Chittoor post-Jagan’s visit, but farmers in Nuzvid and Tuni also need MSP.
Despite many mango farmers and pulp factory owners being TDP supporters, Perni praised YS Jagan for fighting for all farmers. TDP conspired against YS Jagan, inciting attacks during his Podili visit for tobacco farmers and spreading false propaganda via the media. “TDP-friendly channels spew venom to divert attention from farmers’ issues,” he said.
Perni also criticized Chandrababu for ignoring atrocities against women, such as the harassment of female students at Rangaraya Medical College, while promptly addressing a photographer’s attack. He ridiculed the rebranding of Amma Vodi as Thalli Ki Vandanam, calling it a deceptive move to mislead beneficiaries.
Perni urged local MLAs also to raise farmers’ issues with the CM. “YS Jagan’s efforts are forcing this government to act, but farmers across Andhra Pradesh deserve fair treatment,” he concluded.
YSRCP slams govt for diversion tactics amid failures
