Chandrababu Tours London and Lokesh Watches Mumbai Match, While Farmers Suffer: YS Jagan

YSRCP President and former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Tuesday (November 4) visited agricultural fields in Ramarajupalem, Krishna district, to assess the damage caused by Cyclone Montha.

During his visit, Jagan interacted with farmers and enquired about the government’s relief efforts after the severe storm devastated crops across the region. Speaking to the media, he accused Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu of mishandling the crop loss assessment process.

Jagan pointed out that Andhra Pradesh had witnessed 16 extreme weather events in the past 18 months, yet the current government had failed to extend meaningful support to farmers. Referring to an October 30 order by the Krishna district administration directing officials to complete crop enumeration and a social audit by October 31, he questioned, “How can anyone assess damage in a single day?”

Further, he highlighted that officials who failed to submit the reports were warned of action if they missed the deadline. "This means that no official has actually come to the fields to check the crop damage. Instead, the government is claiming that crop enumeration is completed."

The former CM highlighted that crops spread over 15 lakh acres were affected by the cyclone and accused the government of being indifferent to farmers’ suffering. “Do you even know what crop enumeration means?” he asked Chandrababu, stressing that officials must physically visit the fields to evaluate the damage accurately.

Recalling how crop enumeration was handled under the YSRCP government, he said, "We used to provide the necessary funds to district Collectors and give them 10 days to complete crop damage assessment and submit their reports. Collectors were warned that any negligence or error in the process would cost them their jobs. They knew that once the enumeration was done, the Chief Minister himself would review the work and meet farmers to ensure everything was properly executed."

Accusing the TDP government of covering up the true extent of crop damage, YS Jagan questioned why the current administration was not conducting the enumeration efficiently.

The former CM highlighted that while the farmers were reeling under the impact of Cyclone Montha, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu was visiting London, while his son and IT Minister Nara Lokesh was enjoying the match in Mumbai.

Jagan further alleged that the TDP government had dismantled several YSRCP-era schemes such as free crop insurance, Rythu Bharosa Kendras, and subsidies that once provided farmers a safety net. He claimed insurance coverage had dropped from 85 lakh farmers under YSRCP to just 19 lakh under the current administration.

“Under our government, farmers had faith that we would stand by them—today, that confidence is gone,” Jagan said, urging the state to conduct a fair and thorough assessment of crop losses and extend adequate compensation.

Cyclone Montha, which made landfall last week, caused extensive damage across 25 of Andhra Pradesh’s 26 districts. On Tuesday, YS Jagan also toured Penamalur, Pedana, Pamarru, and Machilipatnam constituencies in Krishna district, where large crowds gathered to welcome him, with many seeking an audience to share their grievances.