Kishan Reddy slams govt. over ‘urea diversion’, civic neglect in Hyderabad

Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy alleged that the urea supplied by the Centre is being diverted and sold in the black market, demanding an explanation from the Congress-led Telangana government.

“The State government must stop promoting artificial scarcity and ensure that no bag is sold at inflated prices. Immediate action should be taken to curb black marketing,” he said at a press conference held at the BJP Sstate office on Friday.

Mr. Reddy, who is also the Secunderabad MP, stated that Telangana already has 2.04 lakh tonnes of urea as opening stock for the Kharif season. Yet, even before sowing began, the State government falsely claimed that the Centre was not supplying urea, creating unnecessary panic.

Despite global price hikes, the Centre has maintained the price at ₹265 per bag for the past 11 years, bearing a subsidy burden of ₹80,000 crore for Telangana. Since the Modi government came to power, neem-coated urea has been supplied to curb black marketing, he said.

“We demand that the State government stop defaming the Centre and take full responsibility for ensuring proper urea distribution to farmers,” Mr. Reddy asserted.

He also urged the Revanth Reddy-led government to take immediate steps to improve civic infrastructure in the capital region, pointing out that several issues have been neglected over the years. “It is disgraceful that BJP leaders, including State president N. Ramchander Rao, were arrested while trying to highlight civic issues such as poor roads, drainage and drinking water supply. These problems are leading to unfortunate incidents across the city,” he said.

Mr. Reddy emphasized the need for increased funding to key departments like GHMC and HMWSSB, stating that contractors are refusing to take up works due to unpaid bills. “This is the sad reality under the Congress government,” he remarked. He further alleged that illegal land deals continue unchecked under the Congress regime, similar to the BRS government.

The Minister also expressed support for employee and pensioner unions demanding a new Pay Revision Commission, clearance of retirement arrears, and resolution of other long-pending issues. On the occasion of Shoaibullah Khan’s death anniversary, Mr. Reddy paid tribute to the journalist who was martyred for opposing the Nizam’s atrocities through his writings in the Imroze newspaper.