Farmers hit by month-long procurement delay, alleges BJP

Telangana BJP president N. Ramchander Rao alleged that the Congress government delayed paddy procurement by nearly a month, forcing farmers to leave their produce at Indira Kranthi Pathakam (IKP) procurement centres for several days.

Speaking to reporters in New Delhi on Monday, Mr. Rao said the government began transporting paddy from these centres only after BJP leaders toured procurement centres across districts last week. He claimed the delay had caused considerable inconvenience to farmers.

Mr. Rao also criticised the government for what he described as a lack of clarity in the procurement process. “Even ministers are quoting different procurement figures,” he said. He recalled that Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy had promised before the elections that every grain of paddy would be purchased. “After coming to power, the government has failed to deliver on that assurance,” he charged.

He further pointed out that while the Central government reimburses the procurement amount, the responsibility for timely procurement rests with the State government. “The current plight of farmers is solely due to the negligence and delay of the Congress government,” he asserted.

Mr. Rao, a former MLC, is in the national capital to attend a meeting of state BJP presidents and general secretaries convened by national president Nitin Nabin to discuss strengthening the party ahead of upcoming elections.

He said Telangana remains a key focus for the central leadership, which has offered guidance to bolster the party’s organisational structure in the State. Expressing confidence, he said the BJP would expand its footprint and eventually come to power in Telangana as well. Mr. Nabin will take part in the Telangana Formation Day celebrations in New Delhi and address the gathering, he added.