Andhra Pradesh’s former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has come down heavily on the state government, alleging that it has not helped farmers, especially mirchi farmers, who are suffering because of the lack of a minimum support price (MSP). Reddy criticized the ruling alliance for ignoring the farm sector and asked Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu to intervene immediately. Jagan threatened that unless the government adopts corrective measures, the farmers will have no option but to protest.
In his visit to the Guntur Mirchi yard, Jagan encountered agitated farmers and heard them out regarding declining Mirchi prices. Most farmers reported their problems, bemoaning financial insecurity. His visit, though, was controversial because the election code of the MLC is operative. The YSRCP leaders countered that his presence was being defended by them, explaining that he was present to help farmers and not hold a political rally. They asserted that remaining with farmers in adversity does not contravene any election rules.
At the same time, there were complaints about the absence of proper security during Jagan’s visit, with the ex-CM blaming the government for not following safety procedures deliberately in order to stifle opposition voices.
Jagan was flanked by a huge turnout of YSRCP cadres when he went to meet the farmers. He asked the selling price of Mirchi produce and evaluated the presence of basic amenities in villages. Criticizing the government for not offering MSPs for any crop, he remembered how his rule guaranteed remunerative prices and direct money to farmers.
Complaining about efforts to thwart his moves to bring out the crisis, Jagan charged that the ruling party was attempting to muzzle him. He also referred to increasing discontent among the people with the coalition government.
Jagan highlighted the initiatives his government had initiated for farmers, including Rythu Bharosa Kendras (RBKs) in each village, providing basic agricultural assistance. He also spoke about the toll-free helpline created to support farmers in need.
In a direct swipe at Chandrababu Naidu, Jagan asked why the Chief Minister, who was based in Amaravati, had not visited the Guntur Mirchi yard to greet suffering farmers. He faulted Naidu for not interacting with those suffering, particularly when they are within a stone’s throw of the capital.
Jagan was optimistic that the Andhra Pradesh people would again bring the YSRCP to power. He was unambiguous in stating that if the government goes on neglecting farmers’ problems, huge protests are inevitable. His message was clear and loud: farmers should be given justice, and if the ruling party does not do anything, they will have to face the people.