Solve farmers' problems before Rythu Sadassus: Babu

Questioning the state government’s rationale behind the organizing of the Rythu Sadassus without addressing the farmers’ problems, Telugu Desam Party president N Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday stated that Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy has no right to conduct the interactive meetings.

Talking to media persons at NTR Trust Bhavan, the TDP chief wondered what had prompted the state government to conduct the Rythu Sadassus without taking any measures for the farmers welfare first.

Accusing the state government of trying to escape from carrying out its responsibilities, Mr Naidu said that the Chief Minister was trying to shield his inefficiency in announcing the Minimum Support Price for paddy and lifting of the crop through the Sadassus.

The former chief minister pointed out that 80-90 lakh metric ton of paddy was still lying with farmers. “In some places, there is real danger of the crop being spoilt due to heavy rains as monsoon has set in,” he pointed out.

Mr Naidu further charged the government of not been keen to help the farmers. “If the situation continues, the farmers will have to bear an additional burden of Rs 11,000 crore due to rains which will spoil their crops,” the TDP chief added.

The former chief minister also lashed out at the state government’s claims that the Centre is giving additional support price to the farmers. “The input costs have risen and the relief announced is not on par with these,” Mr Naidu pointed out.

He asked the Chief Minister to stop making flimsy statements and take concrete measures to address the farmers’ problems.

Reacting on the `No Confidence Motion’, Mr Naidu asserted that it is the Speaker’s responsibility to act on the notice given by the TDP.

When pointed out that Speaker Nadendla Manohar had said that he was ignorant about the notice of the No Trust Motion given by TDP, the former chief minister said that Mr Manohar had violated the rules of the Assembly and conspired with the Chief Minister and Governor to help the state government avoid being cornered.

He further added that YSR Congress Party president YS Jaganmohan Reddy and TRS leaders have no moral right to criticize TDP on No Trust motion.

“Mr Jaganmohan Reddy could do well to parade the MLAs loyal to him before the Governor to show his strength if he has the intention to topple the government through the No Trust Motion. Even the TRS has not suspended its MLAs who resorted to cross voting during the Legislative Council polls. They are the one who lack real commitment,” the TDP president stated.

Naidu also expressed his moral support to civil activist Anna Hazare and Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev in their fight against corruption and black money.

He demanded that the Centre probe into amassing of assets by Mr Jaganmohan Reddy and asked Election Commission to make stringent laws to bar corrupt people from contesting elections.

Responding to Telangana issue, Mr Naidu said that finding a solution to the contentious issue is the responsibility of Centre. “They must announce a decision on the issue as early as possible and clear the prevailing uncertainty,” he said.