Nellore: YSRCP district president and former minister Kakani Govardhan Reddy has accused the coalition government of neglecting farmers and driving the agricultural sector into crisis. Speaking at a press conference in Nellore, Kakani lamented the sharp rise in farmer suicides, citing unofficial reports of over 150 deaths, while the government recognizes only 95.
Kakani criticized the administration for failing to provide remunerative prices for crops and timely aid during natural disasters, leaving farmers in despair. Highlighting the recent suicide of a farming couple in the YSR district, he blamed the government’s indifference for their plight.
He took a dig at Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, accusing him of betraying farmers by failing to deliver on promises like full loan waivers and Rs. 20,000 annual financial assistance. Instead, Kakani alleged, Naidu mocked farmers’ struggles by downplaying suicides and offering meager compensation.
In contrast, he praised the previous YSRCP government under Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy for increasing compensation for farmer suicides to Rs. 7 lakhs and supporting 53.58 lakh farming families with Rs. 13,500 annually through the “Rythu Bharosa” scheme.
Kakani also pointed out Rs. 12,563 crores in pending dues for drought relief, crop insurance, and financial aid owed to farmers. He demanded immediate fulfillment of promises, restoration of Rythu Bharosa Kendras (RBKs), and free crop insurance. Warning of intensified protests, he asserted, “The coalition government’s failures have become a curse for farmers, and they will not stay silent.”
