Telangana Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy Denounces BRS and BJP’s Allegations on Paddy Procurement

Hyderabad, May 26: Telangana’s Minister for Civil Supplies, Uttam Kumar Reddy, has vehemently criticized the BRS (Bharatiya Rashtra Samithi) and BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) for spreading false propaganda against the Congress government regarding paddy procurement from farmers.

During a press conference on Sunday, Reddy dismissed the opposition’s corruption allegations as baseless. He emphasized that the Congress government has been transparent and efficient in its dealings, countering claims of a Rs. 1,000 crore scam in paddy and fine rice procurement made by BRS working president K. T. Rama Rao.

Minister Reddy Defends Government’s Actions

Reddy clarified that the government has not procured any fine-variety rice, challenging critics to provide evidence. “If somebody is ready to sell fine rice at Rs 42 per kg, the government will immediately procure it,” he asserted. The minister accused the BRS and BJP of speaking on behalf of defaulting rice millers, pointing out the opposition’s contradictory stance on the issue.

Allegations Against Opposition Leaders

Targeting BJP floor leader in the Assembly, Maheshwar Reddy, the minister alleged that he secured his position through monetary influence in Delhi. Uttam Kumar Reddy claimed that Maheshwar Reddy’s actions are motivated by personal ambition, aiming to outshine senior BJP leader Kishan Reddy.

Achievements Under Congress Rule

Highlighting the Congress government’s achievements, Reddy stated that farmers are now receiving Rs 2,400 per quintal for fine variety paddy, compared to Rs 1,700 under the previous BRS government. This price increase has resulted in an additional income of Rs 1,100 crore for farmers since the Congress took power.

Reddy also addressed the issue of debts inherited from the previous administration, noting that the Civil Supplies Department had a debt of Rs 58,000 crore under BRS rule, which has been reduced to Rs 11,000 crore.

Early and Inclusive Procurement Measures

Reddy emphasized that the Congress government has initiated paddy procurement earlier than its predecessor. In a significant move, the government has also started procuring wet paddy at Minimum Support Price (MSP), a step not taken by any previous administration. “Ours is the only government which procured paddy soaked in unseasonal rains,” he stated, highlighting the government’s commitment to supporting farmers.

The minister concluded by reiterating the Congress government’s dedication to addressing the needs of farmers and dismissed the opposition’s allegations as politically motivated attempts to undermine the government’s credibility.