Govt. failed to respond to drought-like conditions in Andhra Pradesh, says Jagan

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The government is playing a political drama over Backward Classes reservations in the local bodies, says YSRCP president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy. | Photo Credit: File Photo

YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy on Wednesday alleged that the TDP-led NDA government in Andhra Pradesh has failed to respond to the worsening drought-like conditions in the State.

“The government is neglecting the farmers and agricultural labourers, and is indulging in political drama over Backward Classes (BC) reservations in the local bodies,” Mr. Jagan Mohan Reddy said while addressing the media on Wednesday.

Despite 51% rainfall deficit, AP sustains kharif cultivation through advance planning: Atchannaidu

The State recorded a rainfall deficit of 52%, with Coastal Andhra reporting a 47% deficit and Rayalaseema 52%. Against the normal rainfall of 384 mm between June and August 23, the State had received only 189.62 mm, he said.

Of the 688 mandals, 625 received deficient rainfall, while 25 of the 28 districts were facing a rainfall deficit, he said, adding that kharif cultivation was about 20% below normal.

Farmers had invested in seeds, fertilizers and nurseries after being assured of irrigation water, but many crops and nurseries dried up, the former Chief Minister said, and accused the government of failing to provide adequate water to the Rayalaseema projects and farmers under the Nagarjuna Sagar and Krishna delta systems.

Mr. Jagan said the government should have activated drought monitoring mechanisms, district-level contingency plans and crisis management measures immediately after the rainfall deficit became apparent. He demanded drought contingency cells, distribution of short-duration and drought-resistant seeds, additional employment for agricultural labourers and measures to ensure fodder and food security.

He also accused the government of weakening crop insurance and farmer-support systems, and claimed that crop insurance coverage had declined sharply after farmers were required to bear the premium burden.

Turning to BC reservation, Mr. Jagan accused Mr. Naidu of political double standards. He said the YSRCP government had provided 34% reservation for BCs in local bodies, though the arrangement was subsequently struck down by the courts because of the overall reservation ceiling.

Claiming that the YSRCP had substantially increased BC representation, Mr. Jagan said 11 of the 25 members of his Cabinet were from the BC communities. He also cited the BC representation in Parliament, the Legislative Council, local bodies and nominated positions.

He said the YSRCP had created 56 corporations for 139 BC communities and provided substantial welfare assistance through various direct benefit transfer schemes.

Mr. Jagan Mohan Redd alleged that the NDA government was targeting BC leaders with false cases and dismantling welfare programmes. He asserted that the YSRCP remained committed to the political, economic and social empowerment of the BCs.