Telangana: BRS MLAs conduct tour of flood-affected areas in Khammam, lambasts Cong Govt

Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], September 4 (ANI): Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) party MLAs conducted an extensive tour of the flood-affected areas in Khammam and expressed disappointment with the Congress government’s “failure” to respond effectively to the floods.

Following the tour in Khammam, including Karunagiri Rajiv Gruhakalpa, Venkateshwara Nagar, and Bokkalagadda areas on Monday, the MLAs held a press meeting at the Khammam BRS party office, where former Minister Harish Rao strongly criticised the state government’s handling of the flood situation, as per a release by the BRS.

BRS leader Harish Rao expressed his deep disappointment with the government’s failure to respond effectively to the floods, as per the party release.

“In the past, the government was proactive, alerting the public and taking necessary measures during such crises. However, the current administration couldn’t even dispatch a helicopter for rescue operations. The Chief Minister’s sarcastic remarks demonstrate a lack of seriousness in governance,” he said.

Further, Harish Rao highlighted the extensive damage suffered by households, with losses ranging from Rs 4 to 10 lakh per family.

“People have lost their gold, educational certificates, and other valuable possessions. The government’s failure to provide even basic necessities, such as clean drinking water, to those stranded in the floods is deeply concerning,” he added.

He further criticized the Chief Minister, pointing out the contrast between his previous demands while in opposition and his current actions, as per the release.

“When in opposition, the CM demanded Rs 20 lakh in compensation for flood victims. Now, he claims that Rs 10,000 is sufficient, which is grossly inadequate. We demand that the government provide Rs 2 lakh in compensation to each affected family,” Harish Rao asserted.

Further, the leader also emphasised the need for the immediate restoration of essential services, particularly electricity, and criticised the government’s failure to maintain critical infrastructure.

“The Sagar canal broke in two places due to poor welding, causing significant losses for farmers. These farmers should receive Rs 50,000 in compensation for their losses,” he demanded.

Additionally, he expressed concern over the government’s alleged attempts to underreport the death toll from the floods.

“In Khammam district alone, nine people lost their lives, yet the government claims only 16 deaths across the state. This attempt to obscure the truth is unacceptable,” Harish Rao said.

Harish Rao also condemned the recent attack by Congress supporters on the BRS MLAs team in Khammam.

“It is shocking that, while we are working to bring relief to the flood-affected people, Congress supporters resort to violence. This attack is a clear indication of their frustration and failure to stand with the people during this crisis,” Harish Rao remarked.

The leader laid out the BRS party’s demands, which included — Rs 25 lakh compensation for each family that lost a loved one, Rs 30,000 per acre compensation for farmers who suffered crop losses, Rs 50,000 compensation for those affected by sand deposits.

Additionally, the party also demanded a free replacement of educational certificates and other important documents lost in the floods, Rs 5.2 lakh compensation for each of the 3,000 displaced families and immediate action to restore essential services and infrastructure, as per the release.

These demands are not just requests; they are essential steps needed to help the victims rebuild their lives. The government must act swiftly and responsibly, Harish Rao emphasised.