PNS|Hyderabad
In a striking remark that set tongues wagging among political observers, senior BRS leader Harish Rao said that he would “wholeheartedly welcome” if the party’s leadership is handed over to KTR.
Reiterating his loyalty to the BRS and its chief, Harish stated, “My leader is KCR. Whatever KCR says, Harish Rao will do without any questions.”
Speaking at the Telangana Bhavan, Harish hit out at the Congress government over the paddy procurement crisis and what he described as the CM’s misplaced priorities.
“While farmers are battling at procurement centres to sell their produce, the Chief Minister is busy overseeing beauty pageants. Those who should be walking around paddy heaps are now circling glamour ramps,” he said.
Harish said that four lakh tonnes of paddy are awaiting procurement, and Rs 512 crore in bonus dues remain unpaid for fine variety paddy. “This government’s love for farmers is as fake as its promises,” he said, adding that even basic paddy procurement facilities were missing.
He accused the government of failing to deliver on its promise of buying 70 lakh tonnes of paddy this Yasangi, saying it hadn’t even crossed 40 lakh tonnes.
“They boasted about paying within 48 hours. It’s been 10 days. Not a single rupee has reached farmers’ bank accounts,” he said, calling the delay “a betrayal.”
Listing the recent deaths of farmers who collapsed at paddy procurement centres due to long waits and poor conditions, Harish said, “These are not natural deaths. These are murders due to government negligence.” He demanded that the CM be held responsible for the deaths.
He also demanded an end to “weight deductions in the name of taalu and tarugu,” and warned that the BRS will soon announce an agitation plan supporting farmers.
“Governance is not throwing mud at the opposition. It’s about solving problems. This government is sleeping while farmers are collapsing in queues,” he said.
Brushing aside speculation of switching parties, Harish made his stance clear: “Many rumours are doing the rounds. Let me say it again. I have always stood by the BRS and KCR. I’ll never cross the line. If KCR decides to hand over the reins to KTR, I’ll be the first to endorse that decision.”
