Slams Naidu for Failing Farmers & Undermining Democracy
On the occasion of the 16th death anniversary of late Chief Minister Dr. YS Rajasekhara Reddy, former Chief Minister and YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) President YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, along with family members, paid rich floral tributes at the YSR Ghat in Idupulapaya. Religious leaders conducted special prayers, in which Jagan and his family participated solemnly.
Later in the day, YS Jagan turned his attention to farmers’ issues, expressing severe anger at the negligence of the TDP-led coalition government under Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu. Interacting with onion and citrus farmers at Duggannagaripalli village in Vemula mandal of Pulivendula constituency, Jagan listened to their grievances about not even receiving minimum remunerative prices for their produce. Farmers lamented that while they received strong support during the YSRCP regime, today they are abandoned, left with no fair prices and sinking in debts.
Farmers abandoned, Prices collapsed
Jagan pointed out that onions, bananas, black gram, and citrus crops are not fetching viable prices in the market, forcing farmers into distress. He highlighted how:
- Onion prices during the YSRCP government stood at Rs. 4,000–Rs. 12,000 per quintal, whereas today farmers are forced to sell for as little as Rs. 300–Rs. 800 per quintal.
- Sugarcane which once fetched Rs. 30,000–Rs. 1 lakh per quintal is today sold at just Rs. 6,000–Rs. 12,000, with additional commissions being extracted from farmers.
- Banana crops, which once sold for Rs. 25,000–Rs. 30,000 per acre, are now struggling to find buyers even at Rs. 3,000.
“Even labour costs are not being recovered by farmers today,” Jagan stressed, demanding that the government at least procure onions at Rs. 2,500 per quintal and ensure fair marketing through farmer bazaars or exports.
He also lashed out at the double standards of Chandrababu Naidu, pointing out that while Heritage outlets sell onions at Rs. 35 per kg, farmers are forced to sell at just Rs. 6. “If Chandrababu reduced his profits even slightly and paid farmers Rs. 25 per kg, both sides could benefit. But for Chandrababu, profits at Heritage matter more than the farmers’ survival,” Jagan alleged.
Urea Black marketing encouraged
Taking the government to task, Jagan highlighted the acute urea shortage. “During YSRCP’s tenure, every farmer had access to urea through RBKs and PACS, without any scope for black marketing. Today, farmers are forced to pay an additional Rs. 200 per bag or are coerced into buying unnecessary pesticides. The government itself is encouraging black marketeering for commissions,” he charged.
He reminded that during his tenure, urea was sold at Rs. 265 per bag across villages. “Now, RBKs and societies are sidelined because they do not generate commissions for ruling leaders. Farmers are being crushed while the government’s only priority is profiteering,” Jagan said.
He further criticized Chandrababu for betraying farmers even in welfare support. “Under Annadata Sukhibhava, Rs. 40,000 should have been given in two years. Till now, only Rs. 5,000 has been released. Free crop insurance given under YSRCP is completely scrapped under this government,” Jagan accused.
Democracy murdered in Pulivendula ZPTC By-Election
Concluding his day’s interactions, YS Jagan met residents of Nallapureddypalle village while travelling from Pulivendula to Ambakapalle as part of his three-day tour of YSR district. Villagers narrated how they were denied their right to vote in the recent Pulivendula ZPTC by-election due to violence and intimidation by ruling party goons.
Addressing them, YS Jagan said: “On that day, Chandrababu’s TDP did not even have the courage to face an election. They unleashed violence, used the police, and robbed people of their right to vote. This is nothing but a cold-blooded murder of democracy.”
He drew parallels to past instances. “In Nandyal too, TDP resorted to arrogance and misuse of power. But eventually, they were taught a lesson, and YSRCP emerged victorious with people’s blessings. God always punishes those who commit injustice,” Jagan said, thanking villagers for their affection.
Government will collapse soon
YS Jagan declared that the coalition government has failed every section of society despite making tall claims about “Super Six” promises. “No one is happy today, farmers, youth, women, workers, everyone feels betrayed. This government will soon disappear into the Bay of Bengal,” he predicted.
With folded hands, YS Jagan expressed gratitude to the people who came out to greet him despite hardships. “Your love and affection are my strength. I bow to you all,” he said emotionally.
