Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy says protests over paddy procurement politically motivated

Asks authorities to conduct field visits and address the issues immediately; directs them to file cases against those who deliberately spread malicious propaganda

Hyderabad: Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Tuesday claimed that paddy procurement was already completed in 21 out of 33 districts and alleged that in a few places, politically motivated protests were being staged.

In the wake of the protests, the Chief Minister asked the authorities to conduct field visits and address the issues immediately.

“Such small incidents are getting a lot of publicity and politically motivated protests are taking place in some areas,” Revanth Reddy said, pointing out that it happened because the government was not focusing on a campaign on successful paddy procurement.

During a conference with District Collectors and officials here on Sunday, the Chief Minister gave instructions to the authorities to file cases against those who deliberately spread malicious propaganda and asked them to closely monitor the paddy procurement process.

Adequate number of trucks should be engaged for transportation and local godowns should be hired. Strict action should also be taken if the rice millers and brokers create trouble for the farmers, he added.