Drought Politics Erupts: BRS, BJP Accused of Exploiting Crisis for Votes

Telangana Congress leader Komatireddy Venkat Reddy on Wednesday accused the ruling Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of attempting to gain political mileage from the severe drought conditions in the state. Addressing the media in Hyderabad, Reddy alleged that both parties are more focused on electoral gains than providing relief to farmers affected by crop losses.

The drought, triggered by deficient monsoon rains, has severely impacted agricultural activities across Telangana, with thousands of farmers facing financial ruin. Reddy cited official figures indicating that over 50% of mandals in the state have been declared drought-affected, yet neither the state government nor the BJP-led Centre has announced adequate compensation. He also criticized the BRS government for failing to implement promised irrigation projects that could have mitigated the crisis.

The political slugfest comes ahead of the upcoming assembly elections, with parties trading blame over the handling of the drought. While the BRS has accused the BJP of neglecting Telangana's farmers, the BJP has blamed the state government for mismanagement of resources. Reddy's remarks underscore the escalating tension, with farmers' groups planning protests to demand immediate relief. The Election Commission has urged parties to refrain from politicizing the crisis, but with temperatures rising both politically and literally, drought relief is set to dominate the campaign narrative.