Release irrigation water or face protests, warns Singireddy

Wanaparthy: Former minister Singireddy Niranjan Reddy on Wednesday threatened to lay siege to the Narlapur pumps along with thousands of farmers if they are not operationalised by October 12.

He demanded the pumps be operated continuously and water released from the Jurala to save crops of Palamuru farmers.

Reddy alleged that the government was neglecting water supply to farmers despite its availability at Jurala. Speaking to the media at his residence here, he noted that crops were being cultivated across approximately 6–7 lakh acres within the command areas of KLI, Jurala Left and Right canals and Bhima project.

He emphasised that failure to operate pumps properly was putting farmers at risk of severe losses. He alleged that power outages were damaging pump motors, bearings and thrust pads, attributing the issue to maintenance lapses.

Reddy stated that there was scope to supply water even after allocating a portion for drinking needs. Operating the three KLI pumps would not only save crops, also provide an opportunity to fil tanks. He lashed out at those making ‘baseless personal’ allegations and spreading ‘malicious propaganda’ against him. He declared readiness to publicly disclose details of his assets; challenged his accusers, stating that if it could be proven—in the presence of officials and media—that he had encroached even a fraction of land (citing ‘half a gunta’), he would publicly apologise by rubbing nose to ground.

Reddy asserted that his agri-farm in Panagal was fruit of his hard work; despite allegations of encroaching hundreds of acres, none had been able to prove it; the initial accusations regarding encroachment of 90 acres of government land had eventually dwindled to just 19 guntas. He warned officials would face legal action if they submitted false reports under pressure.

Challenges Ponguleti, Jupally

Reddy challenged Ministers Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy and Jupally Krishna Rao to come for an open debate, accompanied by collectors, officials and State media. They should substantiate the allegations regarding his lands with evidence. He offered to arrange the debate right at his farm and promised to provide meals if informed in advance.

He remarked that it was inappropriate to level personal allegations against him at a time when the government ought to be addressing public issues.

‘Farmers are facing difficulties regarding electricity, water, urea, loan waivers and the ‘Rythu Bharosa’ scheme; resorting to a smear campaign when these issues are raised is a sign of incompetence’.

Party activists Gattu Yadav, B. Lakshmaiah, Vakiti Sridhar, Lakshma Reddy, Nandimalla Ashok, Krishna Naik, Manikyam, U Thirumal, Vanam Ramulu, R Krishnaiah, Gandham Paramjyoti were present.

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