KTR Tells BLA-2 Agents To Protect BRS Votes In SIR

ADILABAD: BRS working president K.T. Rama Rao on Saturday directed party cadre to focus on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, stating that it would be crucial for the party’s prospects in future elections.

Addressing a training programme for BLA-2 agents at Neredigonda, he asked them to ensure that party sympathisers’ votes remain intact and new voters are added, with emphasis on family mapping. He said there were doubts over the SIR process following Assembly election results in other states.

He said close monitoring of the voters’ list was necessary, as the final rolls expected in October would be used for upcoming local body as well as Assembly and parliamentary elections. He asked party workers to actively participate in the SIR beginning June 25 and also focus on party membership.

Earlier, Rama Rao visited Ponna village and consoled the family of a farmer, Pandurang, who allegedly died by suicide after his jowar was not procured at Sirikonda market yard in Boath Assembly constituency.

He demanded ₹25 lakh ex gratia and a government job for the bereaved family. He, along with local MLA Anil Jadhav and other leaders, handed over ₹3 lakh financial assistance to the family.

Rama Rao alleged that the state government had failed to procure crops such as paddy, jowar and maize this season and criticised Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy over procurement policies. He also criticised the government for not paying a ₹500 bonus for fine quality paddy.

He said the previous BRS government had opened 8,500 procurement centres in 2021 and procured 92 lakh metric tonnes of paddy in 2022.

Rama Rao also questioned BJP MPs from the state over procurement by the Centre and alleged that farmers were facing distress due to government apathy. He said incidents of farmer suicides were linked to lack of support for farmers and urged them not to take extreme steps.