Former Agriculture Minister and YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) President along with Nellore District President Kakani Govardhan Reddy on Saturday criticized Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu for not yet announcing any financial assistance to farmers who suffered severe crop losses due to Cyclone Montha.
Addressing the media at the YSRCP district office, Mr. Govardhan Reddy accused the coalition government of turning a blind eye to the plight of the cyclone-affected farmers. “The NDA government has completely failed to take precautionary measures in the wake of the cyclone. Moreover, it is brazenly promoting the Chief Minister as if he is handling the situation effectively,” he said.
He said the Chief Minister and his son, IT Minister Nara Lokesh, were busy with foreign trips “to pacify people” while Agriculture Minister K. Atchannaidu “did not take necessary steps to help the affected farmers”. “What steps has the government taken to support the people? What plan has been prepared to provide compensation?” he asked.
Mr. Govardhan Reddy recalled the previous YSRCP government’s measures to support farmers: “We stood by them every step of the way through initiatives like e-crop registration, free crop insurance and price stabilization fund. Nearly ₹ 7,802 crore was paid as compensation to farmers who lost their crops through the crop insurance scheme during our five-year tenure.” He claimed that the NDA government had ended the regime.
He demanded that the state government immediately pay compensation to all farmers affected by the cyclone, irrespective of political affiliation. Otherwise, he warned, he would fight alongside farmers “to whatever extent”. He also called on the leaders of the coalition parties to engage in a public debate on the issue.
Published – 01 Nov 2025 19:47 IST
