CPI(M) demands ₹1 lakh crore special drought relief package for farmers in Andhra Pradesh

The CPI(M) has demanded that the Andhra Pradesh government declare drought-hit mandals and announce a special relief package for farmers, tenant farmers and agricultural labourers, as the State is slipping into a severe drought.

Addressing a press conference in Vijayawada on Sunday, CPI(M) State secretary V. Srinivasa Rao said the drought situation worsened as the State failed to act despite warnings from meteorologists about severe El Niño conditions.

The Left parties visited drought-hit areas and brought to light the problems being faced by farmers, agricultural labourers and tenant farmers, he said.

He said as the organisations representing farmers, agricultural labourers and tenant farmers had given a call for protests from September 21, the government said that drought-hit mandals would be declared on October 1. The government should act immediately, instead of waiting for the situation to deteriorate further, he said.