VHR asks Mamata, Stalin not to attend Rythu Bandhu launch

Hyderabad : Congress senior leader and former MP V. Hanumantha Rao on Tuesday wrote letters to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, DMK leader M.K. Stalin and other leaders asking them not to attend the launch of Rythu Bandhu scheme on May 10 on the invitation of Telangana CM K. Chandrasekhar Rao.
 
"About 3,500 farmers committed suicides since last four years in Telangana. Unfortunately, KCR does not have the time to meet or console the bereaved families. One farmer who wanted to meet and inform the CM about his problems waited for about three days near his bungalow, but KCR did not meet the farmer and ultimately the farmer committed suicide by consuming pesticide in front of Pragati Bhawan, the bungalow of KCR. This shows the callous and irresponsible behavior of KCR towards problems of farmers," VHR said in his letter.
 
Further, VHR alleged that KCR was the only Chief Minister in the country who handcuffed farmers for demanding MSP for their Mirchi crop in Khammam district. "For last four years, KCR has not done anything for welfare of farmers. Now when the elections are coming closer, he wants to do something to attract farmers. Further, by inviting national leaders like you, he wants to showcase his ambitious ideas for national politics as he wants his son to become CM of Telangana. That is why he is doing all sorts of gimmicks of Third Front etc.," he said.
 
By giving Rs. 4,000 per acre to each farmer per agriculture season as input subsidy, the Chief Minister wants to get the support of farmers. But this scheme will only help big farmers with 10-20 acres of land. It will not be helpful for farmers having only 2-3 acres of land as they are already in huge debts. In fact, even if he gives Rs.40,000 it will not suffice and solve the problems of farmer or reduce the crop investment on cultivation.
 
"Therefore, I humbly request you not to attend this function of KCR. If you come, our farmers will feel very bad as KCR has done nothing for them. Your presence will be used by KCR for his own promotion at national politics. It will send a good message to the suffering farmers, if you do not come," VHR said.