The two-day Rythu Deeksha taken up by YSR Congress party president Y S Jaganmohan Reddy might have failed to create any movement in the thick-skinned Chandrababu Naidu government in Andhra Pradesh, but it certainly woke up power star and Jana Sena Party president Pawan Kalyan from deep slumber.
Pawan Kalyan, who was mostly confined to unnecessary controversial issues like north—sound divide rather than the real issues concerning the common people in the state, suddenly started talking about the problems of chilli farmers.
While Jagan undertook fasting for two days braving scorching sun at Guntur market yard, Pawan issued a statement to the media, expressing concern over lack of remunerative prices for chilli farmers.
“It is unfortunate that the government, which was evincing keen interest in attracting investments from foreign companies, has not shown any concern towards providing remunerative prices for farmers.
The government’s indifferent attitude towards farmers who are providing food to the nation, is forcing them to take to streets,” he said.
Stating that it was not good for the state if farmers shed tears, Pawan Kalyan said the agriculture department had miserably failed to educate farmers on the extent of land to raise the mirchi crop and the marketing department had failed to ensure sufficient price for the produce.
“The huge gap between the production cost and the sale price of mirchi has led to the agitations by farmers who are in distress.
At least now, the government should come forward and ensure that the mirchi is purchased at Rs 11,000 per quintal, as against Rs 13,000 last year, so that the losses are minimised. The gap should be borne by the government itself,” he demanded.
Any takers for Pawan’s statement?
