CM K Chandrasekhar Rao to review drought after monsoon, criticised

Hyderabad: Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao came under heavy fire from the opposition on Thursday for his remarks that his government would wait till the end of the monsoon before taking steps about the severe drought conditions prevailing in many parts of the state.

Congress Alampur MLA Dr Sampath said, “I am really surprised at Chief Minister’s comments after the Cabinet meeting (on Wednesday). There are various crop stages and depending on monsoon, action has to be initiated. How can the government wait till September end to act?” he asked.

Bachao Telangana Mission chief, Dr Nagam Janardhan Reddy who launched “Rythu Bharosa Yatra” in Mahabubnagar district said Mr Rao should undertake a tour of “Chenu” (farm) first and not China.

“Its quite surprising and shocking that the CM and other TRS leaders are talking daily about liquor but not the drought in Telangana. CM should address the drought issue immediately or we will take up the issue with Governor,” he said.

Dr Janardhan Reddy and former BJP MLA Srinivas Reddy visited the drought-hit Singammagudem Thanda of Balanagar mandal in Mahabubnagar district.

“The government should immediately declare Mahabubnagar as drought-hit and take up relief operations on war footing. Farmers should not lose heart and resort to suicides,” he pleaded.

Leader of Opposition in the Telangana Legislative Council, Mr Mohammed Ali Shabbir also strongly condemned Mr Rao for skipping discussion on the farmers’ issues, including the suicides, in the Cabinet meeting.

Referring to agriculture minister Pocharam Srinivas Reddy’s statement that 409 farmers had committed suicide in the past one year, he said given the gravity of the situation the government should have at least hiked the compensation from the present Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs 5 lakh besides announcing a special package for drought hit farmers and approved short term loans.