Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi has begun his 15-kilometer Padyatra from Koratikal village of Nirmal Block in Adilabad district in Telangana today. His Padyatra is meant to highlight the problems that the farmers are facing in especially drought-hit areas of the state. Nirmal region of Adilabad district is reeling under drought situation and several incidents of farmer’s suicides came to light in the past few days. The Congress leaders have been saying that the state government is not taking any measures to provide relief to farmers who are under distress. The party also claimed over 900 farmers committed suicide in the region.
The Congress Vice President on the first step of his Padyatra, has called on the family members of a distressed farmer, Velma Rajeswar who committed suicide a few days ago at Koratikal. He consoled Rajeswar’s family members and assured them that his party will strive for resolving farmers’ problems. He also gave away financial assistance to the family members. Mr Gandhi, who reached Koratikal from Nirmal by car this morning, has walked through the small lines and by-lines of the tiny Koratikal village. He will also visit some more distressed families of farmers who committed suicide in the recent past and console them in Lakshmanchanda, Pottupally, Rachapur and Wadial villages. He will address farmers of the region at Wadial later in the evening. The entire state Congress leadership besides cadres from all over the state are rallying behind Mr Gandhi during his Padyatra.
Meanwhile, State Minister Indrakaran Reddy has handed over an assistance of Rs 1.5 lakhs on behalf of the state Government to the farmers’ families whom the Congress leader is scheduled to meet during his visit.