Minister Niranjan Reddy accuses BJP netas of making baseless allegations

Hyderabad: Agriculture Minister S Niranjan Reddy has criticised Telangana BJP leaders for making baseless allegations against the State government regarding the procurement of red gram.

The Minister said on Saturday that the State government had requested the Centre to increase the quota of procurement of red gram. The State has already procured the quota of red gram permitted by the Central government, he mentioned.

But it would be difficult for the State government to procure the entire red gram produced as it will put a huge financial burden on the

State government. Also, "We need clearance from the Chief Minister to make additional procurement over and above the quota limit set by the Centre," he added.

But, the State BJP leaders have been making baseless allegations without considering the facts, he slammed. Reddy clarified that the financial benefits under Rythu Bandhu Scheme will reach every eligible beneficiary.

However, some farmers are not able to receive financial assistance due to certain technical glitches in the process. That apart, we will also establish a special cell for the implementation of Rythu Bandhu, he explained.

Further, so far, there is no proposal under the consideration of the State government to limit the benefits of the Rythu Bandhu Scheme, he clarified.

The Agriculture Minister said that farmer suicides in Telangana have come down and demanded the BJP leaders and others who are making allegations claiming an increase in the number of farmers suicides in Telangana to tender an apology.