HYDERABADDeputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka accused Opposition parties of spreading misinformation against the Congress government’s record paddy procurement and welfare initiatives. He reiterated that the State government remained committed to welfare, infrastructure development, farmer support and social justice.Addressing a public meeting at Pallagutta village in Station Ghanpur constituency on Tuesday, after participating in the inauguration and foundation-laying ceremonies for several sub-stations worth ₹60 crore, he alleged that the BJP at the Centre and BRS in the State were working in tandem to mislead farmers and the public.Targeting the BRS government on power supply, he said that the previous regime had claimed credit for free electricity but failed to release subsidies to power distribution companies on time. “This led to financial stress on DISCOMs and affected the quality of power supply. In contrast, he stated that the present government was allocating ₹14,000 crore for free power to farmers and ₹5,000 crore for Gruha Jyoti subsidies, ensuring quality electricity supply,” he said.The Deputy Chief Minister also criticised senior BRS leader and former minister T. Harish Rao, accusing him of spreading ‘baseless allegations’ to remain in the public eye. He said the Cabinet led by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy was focused on governance and welfare.Sharpening his attack on the BJP-led Centre, Mr. Vikramarka questioned why the Food Corporation of India (FCI) was not procuring paddy at Minimum Support Price (MSP), despite announcements. He said that under earlier Congress governments, FCI procured grains directly and accused the Centre of weakening that system.He reiterated, “We will procure every grain produced by farmers, irrespective of the Centre’s role.” He also noted that the State was among the few procuring maize at support prices.Questioning Opposition leaders visiting procurement centres, he asked why they had remained silent earlier. He said the State government had procured even rain-damaged paddy at MSP and achieved a record procurement of 72.30 lakh metric tonnes during Rabi season. Local MLA Kadiyam Srihari and others attended the meeting. Published - June 09, 2026 07:18 pm IST