BJP Sees ₹4,000-Cr Scam in Paddy Procurement
Maheshwar Reddy disputed the government’s claim that 80 per cent of purchases were complete, calling it false as only 4.5 million metric tonnes had been procured so far against the target of 8 million metric tonnes.
Hyderabad:BJP legislative party leader A. Maheshwar Reddy on Friday accused the Congress government of pursuing farmer‑unfriendly policies and mishandling paddy procurement, alleging large‑scale corruption and administrative failure. He said thousands of tonnes of paddy lay dumped in heaps at market yards and along roads, with farmers forced to guard them day and night, and many heaps damaged by unseasonal rains due to poor procurement policy.
Speaking at the BJP state office, Maheshwar Reddy disputed the government’s claim that 80 per cent of purchases were complete, calling it false as only 4.5 million metric tonnes had been procured so far against the target of 8 million metric tonnes. He alleged a brokers’ mafia at mills was taking 4 kg extra on each 40 kg bag, inflicting losses on farmers. He further charged the state with forcing farmers to pay ₹75–80 per gunny bag despite the Centre releasing advance funds, estimating nearly ₹4,000 crore siphoned through extra deductions and illegal collections.
He criticised delays in MSP procurement for multiple crops, failure to deliver farmer assurances and crop‑insurance payouts, and the use of apps to distribute urea that left digitally‑illiterate farmers stranded. Maheshwar Reddy challenged state ministers to an open debate on procurement figures and demanded completion of all purchases by June 1. He warned of massive agitation by his party if the government failed to act.
