YSR Congress Party president and former Andhra Pradesh chief minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on Telugu Desam Party president and current chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu, accusing him of showing utter neglect and indifference toward the plight of farmers in the state.
Taking to X, Jagan wrote: “Chandrababu Naidu has set unmatched records in pushing farmers into distress through the collapse of crop prices. In Kurnool, onions are being sold at just â¹3 per kg, tomatoes at â¹1.50 per kg. Are these prices even imaginable? Should farmers not be allowed to survive?”
Jagan alleged that despite weeks of farmers expressing their distress, Naidu had shown no concern.
“What use is a government that does not stand by its people in their toughest times? A government that refuses to rescue farmers in crisis is as good as no government at all,” he said.
He also accused the TDP regime of making false promises. “You repeatedly issued advertisements claiming that onion would be procured at â¹1,200 per quintal. But instead of fulfilling the promise, you staged auctions in the Kurnool market where no one came forward to buy. Was this not a deliberate attempt to create an impression that nothing can be done?”
Highlighting the price disparity, Jagan pointed out: “When onions are being sold online on BigBasket and in retail stores at â¹29–â¹32 per kg, and in Rythu Bazaars at â¹25 per kg, why is the farmer not getting even a fraction of that price? Is this not your government’s failure, Chandrababu?”
He further drew attention to the tomato crisis, where prices have collapsed so badly that desperate farmers are dumping their produce on the streets due to lack of buyers.
Jagan demanded that Chandrababu Naidu immediately intervene, procure farmers’ produce, and ensure fair support prices.
“Show at least some humanity, Chandrababu garu. Farmers cannot be left to die in despair while you remain a silent spectator,” he asserted.