Farmers Movement Archive

Will K Chandrasekhar Rao's Delhi trip change political equations in Telangana?

HYDERABAD: Chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao on Sunday flew to New Delhi to persuade the Centre to announce the target for procurement of rice (paddy) for the ensuing yasangi (rabi) and following seasons from Telangana. Once he is back home, the CM has the crucial responsibility of informing farmers whether they could cultivate paddy in the ensuing yasangi crop season or go for alternate crops. Much would depend upon the stand that would be taken by Centre on its rice (paddy) procurement policy following the CM’s meeting. Political pundits said a policy decision on procurement of rice/paddy by the Centre and the KCR-led TRS in Telangana would have the potential to change political equations in the run up to the 2023 assembly polls. The CM is likely to stay put in New Delhi for at least two days and would be meeting Union ministers for agriculture, food, public distribution, jal shakti among others. Sources told TOI that the CMO has sought an appointment of KCR with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “If the PM-CM meeting happens, we are confident KCR would be able to convince Modi on many issues. He would try to prevail upon the PM to direct FCI to procure 90% of rice (paddy) produced in vaanakalam (kharif) and also clear the air on boiled rice procurement for yasangi,” a senior official said. A couple of ministers accompanied the CM, others along with MPs and senior officials are flying on Monday to join him. Chief secretary Somesh Kumar and TRS MPs are also trying to fix an appointment with Rakesh Tikait-led agitating farmers. The chief minister has already announced Rs 3 lakh ex gratia each to family members of farmers who died during their year-long agitation farmer. During his visit, KCR would also press for withdrawal of the Electricity (Amendment) Bill to bring in a legislation to back MSP payable to farmers for various crops, to refer the Telangana’s river water sharing issue to the tribunal among others.

The Times of India

2021-11-22

Hyderabad