Hyderabad: The BRS on Wednesday alleged that the Congress government was trying to find ways to reduce the number of Rythu Bharosa beneficiaries and demanded that the aid be provided to all eligible farmers without any preconditions. While Rythu Bandhu was implemented by the BRS government, the Congress has rechristened the scheme as Rythu Bharosa.
Addressing a press conference in Sangareddy, senior BRS leader and former minister T. Harish Rao said Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka and agriculture minister Tummala Nageswara Rao, “appear to be competing with each other saying different things and trying to sow confusion among farmers on the issue.”
Harish Rao said Revanth Reddy “has not only cheated farmers by not paying the Rythu Bandhu dues but now is working day and night to cheat farmers with his new Rythu Bharosa scheme, and he is being assisted in this task by Bhatti and Tummala. Revanth, when in opposition, had demanded that Rythu Bandhu be paid thrice a year and now, is actively working to reduce the beneficiary numbers.”
The BRS leader said the government has all the records of the farmers “because the KCR government paid Rythu Bandhu 11 times. And now, Revanth is saying different things, actively leaking confusing statements and asking farmers to submit a declaration applying for Rythu Bharosa. The farmers have to give an undertaking that the information provided is correct and if it is not, then he or she could face punishment.”
“Is there anything more insulting to farmers than accusing them of lying or cheating? The government must implement the aid scheme without any preconditions,” Harish Rao demanded.
