Why is Jagan Criticizing Naidu's Government Over Farmer Repression?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- YSRCP leader criticizes the Naidu administration
- Allegations of repression and false reporting
- Farmers struggle for fair prices
- Concerns over agricultural policies
- Comparison with past support during Jagan's term
Amaravati, July 10 (NationPress) YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) President, Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy harshly criticized the Andhra Pradesh government led by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu for its oppressive tactics towards farmers during his recent visit to Banagarupalem in Chittoor District.
The former Chief Minister condemned the detainment, mistreatment, and assault of farmers by the Naidu administration while he was at the market yard engaging with mango farmers to listen to their concerns.
On social media platform ‘X’, the YSRCP leader accused CM Naidu's propaganda machine of misrepresenting the farmers' plight, noting the strong turnout for his visit, despite severe restrictions and misleading coverage from pro-Naidu media outlets.
“This issue affects 76,000 farmers who cultivated 6.5 tonnes of mangoes across 2.2 lakh acres but have not received a minimum price for two months. Many are left to discard their harvests on the streets in despair, a scene that has sadly become commonplace,” stated Jagan Mohan Reddy.
He further criticized the government’s labeling of individuals questioning its welfare schemes as “anti-social elements,” calling this behavior unacceptable.
Jagan highlighted that people from various sectors, including farmers, youth, women, and students, are protesting to voice their dissatisfaction.
“If mango farmers are not suffering, why did the government announce a price of Rs. 4 per kg? Why were factories instructed to purchase at Rs. 8 per kg?” he questioned.
The YSRCP leader pointed out that JD(S) leader Kumaraswamy secured a commitment from the Centre to buy mangoes in Karnataka for Rs 16 per kg. “How many farmers received Rs. 4, and how many got Rs. 8 from factories?” he inquired.
He asserted that farmers did not face such hardships during the YSRCP administration when mangoes were purchased at prices ranging from Rs 25 to Rs 29 per kg.
Jagan Mohan Reddy expressed concern over the decline observed within just one year of Naidu's coalition government taking office.
He questioned the delay of pulp factories, which should have begun operations in mid-May, in purchasing this year.
“The sudden influx of stock resulted in an oversupply, causing prices to plummet. This artificially contrived situation appears to benefit your close associates, like Galla Factory and Srini Foods,” he alleged.
Jagan Mohan Reddy claimed that farmers did not receive the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for various crops this year, including paddy, cotton, and mango.
“The government has failed to procure any quantity of chilli, tobacco, or mango, demonstrating a lack of sincerity,” he stated.
He highlighted that during his term, Rs. 7,800 crore was spent on crop purchases outside of paddy, supported by a Rs. 3,000 crore price stabilization fund. This fund seems to be nonexistent now, and there is no sign of VM APP. Last year, the government did not fulfill its promise of Rs 20,000 to farmers, and they are still waiting this year, whereas we ensured timely payments,” he pointed out.
Jagan Mohan Reddy accused the government of abandoning input subsidies, free crop insurance, and RBK services. “When your shortcomings are highlighted, you label farmers as anti-social elements,” he concluded.