*Lokesh ignored drought and farmers’ distress in Raptadu: Prakash Reddy*

Raptadu, Sept. 22: Former Raptadu MLA Thopudurthi Prakash Reddy criticised Minister Nara Lokesh for remaining silent on drought, dried-up tanks, crop losses, migration and farmer suicides during his visit to Raptadu.

He said farmers expected an announcement on supplying water to the Peruru Dam but were disappointed. Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy ensured water to the dam for three consecutive years, he said, and asked why drought had returned under the coalition government.

Prakash Reddy said Lokesh visited to unveil Paritala Ravindra’s statue but failed to explain what the government had done for Raptadu and Anantapur district in two-and-a-half years. He questioned Lokesh’s call to display “Paritala Ravindra’s courage” in the local body elections, alleging that it was an attempt to provoke workers and revive factional politics.

He said the government had ignored its promises to farmers, women and youth. Lokesh also failed to address murders, sexual assaults and attacks against Dalits, tribals and BCs in the district, he said.

Prakash Reddy accused the TDP of trying to win local elections by arresting and attacking YSRCP workers. He recalled that Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy transformed Anantapur through Handri-Neeva and said Lokesh’s visit offered no assurance or benefit to farmers, Raptadu or the district.