Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Left party leaders on Monday called on Governor ESL Narasimhan at Raj Bhavan and complained about the police highhandedness in bodily lifting party President N Chandrababu Naidu, who was on fast since last Friday for the cause of farmers, and sought his intervention to solve the farmers' problems.
After submitting a memorandum to the Governor, TDP leader K Yerrannaidu revealed that the Governor had inquired about the health condition of Naidu from the team, and assured them that he would initiate action against police officers who had resorted to highhandedness.
Yerrannaidu also revealed that the Governor gave a patient hearing to the team regarding the farmers' problems, and assured to take action after consulting with the state government.
Describing the relief package offered by the government as 'meagre', Yerrannaidu demanded that the government, if it had any commitment towards farmers' welfare, should establish paddy procurement centres in each district under the supervision of an IAS Officer or the minister in charge of the district so that farmers could sell their discoloured grains at these centres. As the millers were purchasing damaged grains at low rates, he demanded that the government immediately start the purchasing centres to help the distressed farmers.
The senior TDP leader also urged the government to ensure Minimum Support Price for rain-damaged farm produce, besides an adequate relief package.
Holding the government responsible for the escalating crisis, particularly in view of Naidu's arrest and forcible shifting to NIMS, Yerrannaidu warned that the onus was now on the government to diffuse the situation by meeting the demands raised by the TDP chief.
He also demanded implementation of M S Swaminathan Commission recommendations in fixing remunerative price for farm produce, and take steps for the welfare of farmers.
The delegation comprised of 20 members including Dadi Veerabhadra Rao, E Dayakar, MLA Seethakka and Left party leaders.