Hyderabad: Irrigation and civil supplies minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy on Wednesday praised governor Jishnu Dev Varma’s address to the Telangana Legislature as a visionary roadmap for agrarian progress. Meanwhile, Telangana Congress president B Mahesh Kumar Goud criticised BRS working president KT Rama Rao for his negative comments against the governor’s address.
Uttam said the governor highlighted the state govt’s strong emphasis on irrigation, agriculture, and farmer welfare towards empowering the farming community. “The governor underscored record-breaking agricultural output and farmer-centric initiatives that have strengthened Telangana’s rural economy. Telangana emerged as the highest paddy-producing state in India, harvesting over 260 lakh metric tonnes — a historic achievement attributed to improved irrigation and the resilience of farmers. The govt stood shoulder to shoulder with farmers, ensuring an enabling environment for unprecedented production,” he said.
A key highlight of the govt’s commitment to farmers has been the 2 lakh crop loan waiver, fulfilling a major electoral promise. The initiative, which cleared 20,617 crore of farm loans, benefited 25.35 lakh farmers. Calling it a “lifesaver,” Uttam echoed the governor’s assertion that it was “not assistance but justice.” The debt relief, he said, gave farmers a fresh start and enhanced financial security.
The TPCC president said, “KTR’s comments were disrespectful against the seat of the governor. The BRS leaders allegedly ill-treated even former governor Tamilisai Soundararajan. The BRS ruled the state for 10 years and its leaders should know how the governor’s speech is prepared. The governor spoke only on the issues approved by the cabinet. Why was the survey conducted by BRS not tabled in the assembly? KCR’s family, who did not participate in the survey, has no right to speak about it,” Mahesh Goud said.
Govt advisor Mohammed Ali Shabbir said governor Jishnu Dev Varma’s address highlighted the strong focus of the Congress govt on social welfare and empowerment of the downtrodden. The govt prioritised economic and social justice, ensuring marginalised communities get better access to education, jobs, healthcare, and financial aid. “The governor’s speech proves that Telangana is setting new benchmarks in welfare governance. The govt is not just making promises – it is delivering real benefits to the disadvantaged communities,” Shabbir Ali said.
