BJP State former president and MLA G. Kishan Reddy criticised the government for miserably failing to rescue small and marginal farmers, coolies and the poor from the clutches of drought and combat famine conditions prevailing all across the State.
He alleged that the State government diverted Rs. 500 crore spending just Rs. 300 crore for relief in the areas badly affected by drought. Responding to constant appeals from the State, the Centre immediately released funds to enable the government to undertake suitable relief measures, he added.
Mr. Kishan Reddy was addressing a press conference here on Thursday after visiting villages in Renjal and Navipet mandals to assess the drought situation. He was accompanied by former MLA Yendala Lakshminarayana, district BJP president Palled Ganga Reddy and senior leaders G. Anand Reddy and B. Lakshma Reddy. The party floor leader in the Assembly said when the State was reeling under unprecedented drought, the government was appreciating the excise authorities for ensuring highest income through liquor sales instead of initiating necessary steps. He took a jibe at the government by stating that beer and liquor was easily available everywhere rather than drinking water.
Criticising the government for not releasing wages for EGS workers for the last three months despite the Centre releasing the amount, he said in Mahabubnagar district alone, Rs. 700 crore wage arrears were pending. Since the government lacked a plan to mitigate famine, farmers experienced extreme hardship, he said.
He said Maharashtra and other States took several measures to provide fodder to cattle and ensure work for unemployed rural youth, but the State government lagged behind in action. He went on to say that the TRS government failed to keep its promise of taking over the Nizam Deccan Sugars Limited.
