Tirupati: Former CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy expressed anger on Chittoor SP for lathi-charging on YSRCP activists during visit to Bangarupalyam Market Yard on Wednesday.

He criticized the Government’s heavy-handedness, claiming that over 1,200 farmers had been detained.  Police harassment, arrests, and branding farmers as rowdy elements show the Government’s insensitivity. When farmers are already struggling without input subsidies, marketing facilities or MSP why impose restrictions on those who want to raise their voices?

Chittoor SP Manikanta and the police not allowed YS Jagan to get down from his car to console the wounded his party activist. Jagan argued with SP that he will go by walk to the activist and console him. SP requested him not to go, it will create law and order problem here.

This incident happened, while YS Jagan’s convey started from Kothapalli helipad to Bangarupalyam Market Yard. The Government deployed over 2,000 police personnel to prevent people from gathering in villages, yet thousands of farmers still came out in support.

Addressing the media at the Bangarupalyam Market Yard, YS Jagan asked the Government what is wrong if he interact with Mango farmers on their grievances. He accused the Government that it is not providing any incentives to the farmers and not taking any steps to increase the price of the Mangoes in the open market.

He demanded the Government to procure the entire mango crop from farmers at Rs 12 per kg. He accused the coalition Government of being indifferent to farmers’ distress, and warned that he would continue to question its inaction on behalf of the people.

He also said that over 76,000 mango farmers are cultivating more than 2.2 lakh acres, producing about 6.45 lakh tonnes. These farmers are in deep distress as they are not getting the MSP. Jagan pointed out that during the YSRCP regime, mango farmers were paid 29 per kg, and RBKs regularly monitored the crop.

Jagan cites the situation at nowhere in the country are farmers forced to sell their produce at just `2 per kg. Even Karnataka secured a commitment from the Centre to purchase mangoes at `16 per kg. Why couldn’t Chandrababu Naidu do the same for Andhra Pradesh’s farmers? He warned the Government against using coercive measures to suppress farmer rallies and protests.