KTR slams CM Revanth Reddy for skipping open debate on farmers

Hyderabad: BRS Working President K.T. Rama Rao (KTR) arrived at the Somajiguda Press Club at 11:00 AM today, ready for an open debate on Telangana’s farmers, responding to a challenge issued by Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy. The CM had called for a discussion on what the Congress and BRS governments have done for the farming community. However, Revanth Reddy did not appear, reportedly traveling to Delhi instead.

KTR, accompanied by senior BRS leaders, elected representatives, and party workers, waited at the venue for nearly thirty minutes. Addressing the media afterward, KTR accused the Chief Minister of avoiding the challenge, saying his absence shows the Congress government lacks answers for the ongoing crisis faced by Telangana's farmers.

“Over 600 farmers have died by suicide since the Congress took office. Did the Chief Minister observe a minute of silence for them?” KTR asked. He criticized the government for failing to deliver on election promises, noting, “Revanth said six guarantees would be implemented within 100 days. It has been 18 months, and none have been fulfilled.”

KTR said he came prepared with data, including lists of farmers in Kodangal who have not received Rythu Bharosa, those whose loans were not waived, and details of farmers who died due to crop losses and neglect. “I was ready for a fact-based discussion in front of the media and the public. But the Chief Minister, who makes big claims, avoided accountability,” he added.

KTR also criticized the Congress government for setbacks like fertilizer shortages, transformer failures, and long queues at supply depots. He compared the current situation to an "Indiramma Emergency," referring to suppression of dissent and broken welfare promises linked to the Congress slogan. He questioned Revanth Reddy’s understanding of Telangana’s irrigation projects, saying the CM lacks knowledge of river basin allocations and water rights.

Further, KTR accused the Chief Minister of acting as a covert agent of Chandrababu Naidu, facilitating the transfer of Krishna and Godavari waters to Andhra Pradesh. “Revanth is betraying Telangana’s farmers by sending water to his political master in Andhra while pretending to defend Telangana’s interests,” KTR said.

Taking a dig at the CM’s approach, KTR said, “Revanth knows how to shout and abuse, but when it comes to debating facts, he disappears. He challenged me, I came, but he ran away. Even if he couldn’t attend, he should have sent the Deputy CM or the Agriculture Minister.”

KTR concluded by offering one final chance to the Chief Minister. “Choose the time, date, and place. We are ready for an open debate anywhere, even Jubilee Hills Palace if that suits him. But don’t issue empty challenges and then run away. If he can’t face a discussion, he should apologize to former Chief Minister KCR and to the farmers of Telangana for his lies and failures.”