Telangana CM Challenges Central Government: Warns of ‘War’ if Crops Are Not Procured; Alleges Discrimination

New Delhi: Telangana Chief Minister (CM) Revanth Reddy has adopted an aggressive stance against the Central Government over the issue of crop procurement. The Chief Minister has issued a warning that if the Central Government fails to procure paddy and other crops from the state, the Telangana government will declare ‘war’ against the Centre after June 15.

On Monday, Revanth Reddy addressed a public meeting in Kagaznagar, located in the Kumram Bheem Asifabad district. During the event, he accused the Centre of discrimination. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy alleged that, in comparison to other states, the Central Government is attaching absolutely no importance to crop procurement in Telangana.

Allegations of Discrimination Leveled Against the Centre
Revanth Reddy stated that representatives of the state government have met multiple times with the Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Pralhad Joshi, regarding this matter. Despite these efforts, the Central Government is not extending the same priority to Telangana—in terms of crop procurement—that it has accorded to Punjab, Haryana, and other states.

Revanth Reddy noted that, during the ongoing Rabi season, the state government has set a target of procuring 75 lakh quintals of paddy. The procurement of paddy within the state is expected to be completed by June 15. He further informed that maize production during this season has also reached approximately 40 lakh quintals—a significant increase from the previous output, which typically ranged between just four and five lakh quintals. Additionally, the state has witnessed a bumper harvest of sorghum (Jowar) and sunflower crops this time around.

Warning to Dump Crops Outside Kishan Reddy’s Residence and Office
During his address, the Chief Minister also took Union Coal Minister G. Kishan Reddy to task. He asserted that Kishan Reddy must take responsibility for ensuring that the Central Government procures the state’s crops. The Chief Minister asked, “I am asking Kishan Reddy: where are we supposed to store the paddy and maize that we have procured?” “I appeal to Kishan Reddy to ensure that the Central Government immediately procures all crops—including paddy that has been damaged by rain.”

He further stated, “Kishan Reddy must shoulder this responsibility. If he fails to do so, then after June 15, the harvested crops will be brought and dumped right at your party office or your residence. A war will be declared against the Central Government.”

CM Reddy also asserted that while the collection of crops falls under the State’s purview, their procurement is the responsibility of the Centre. He warned that if Kishan Reddy fails to discharge his duties, it will become difficult for him to move around freely within Telangana.

Allegations Against PM Modi and Kishan Reddy for Failing to Arrange a Meeting with Fadnavis

Apart from the issue of crops, the Chief Minister also raised the matter of the proposed barrage at Thummadihetti, situated on the inter-state border along the Godavari River. He alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy are treating him with disdain and are failing to facilitate a meeting between him and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

The construction of this barrage would result in the submergence of certain areas within Maharashtra. For this very reason, Revanth Reddy has been seeking an appointment with Fadnavis to discuss the height of the dam. He accused Fadnavis of displaying persistent negligence and failing to observe even basic courtesies.

‘Telangana Will Not Tolerate Insult’

Issuing a stern warning, Revanth Reddy declared, “If you do not grant us an audience, the situation will escalate into a grave crisis. Should the matter intensify, the Adilabad district will suddenly rise up in fierce protest. If the farming community of Adilabad takes to the streets, it will create difficulties for Maharashtra as well. Fadnavis must remember that Telangana will not tolerate any insult.”

He reminded Prime Minister Modi that the NDA government had previously transferred seven mandals (administrative blocks) from Telangana to Andhra Pradesh to facilitate the construction of the Polavaram Multipurpose Project. He questioned why, then, PM Modi could not assist in handing over the 2,000 acres of land in Maharashtra—which is set to be submerged due to the Thummadihetti barrage—to the State of Telangana. The Chief Minister stated that the Telangana government is prepared to provide full compensation in exchange for the acquisition of this 2,000 acres of land.