The Telugu Desam Party will organize dharnas in front of District Collectorates across the state on 19 September, to protest against the state government's "indifferent attitude towards farmers' problems".
Addressing a press conference at NTR Trust Bhavan in Hyderabad on Monday, Naidu slammed the government for not responding to farmers' pleas for help for several months. He alleged that the state government's lack of response to the farmers' woes was forcing them to commit suicide.
Naidu said that there was an acute shortage of fertilizers and seeds in the State.
"The farmers in the state are in a pathetic condition, and the government is not taking steps towards their welfare," he opined.
Stating that his party would intensify its agitation against farmers' issues, Naidu said that his party workers would stage dharnas in front of all District Collectorates on 19 September to bring their problems to the notice of government.
He also expressed support to the Konaseema Bandh declared by farmers, who have announced a crop holiday on 16 Septemberin protest against the government's failure to announce a remunerative price for their produce in East Godavari district.
The TDP president demanded that the government implement the Justice Swaminathan Committee's recommendations for the financial upliftment of farmers. He said the party would launch a signature campaign towards this end.
Naidu also announced that he would spend 3 days every week in villages to directly interact with farmers. His first visit will be in Prakasam district, on 13 September.
Naidu said that the party would intensify its agitation on the common man's problems from 2 October.
Responding to the issue of
Nandamuri Balakrishna joining active politics in the party, Naidu welcomed his decision and said that he would cooperate with and encourage Balakrishna, in his political career. He said that the party would use Balakrishna's services for strengthening the party at the grass-roots level.
Answering a question on the general strike of Telangana employees proposed from this week onwards, Naidu said that the party's Telangana Forum would look into it and take a decision. (INN)