Metro India News | AMARAVATI

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday lashed out at the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), accusing it of spreading false propaganda about a urea shortage in Andhra Pradesh. Branding YSRCP a "fake party surviving on lies and mischief," he warned of stern action against those causing panic among farmers. Speaking at the Secretariat, Naidu said, “They have no other job than misleading farmers. They send people posing as farmers to create unrest. Anyone involved in this conspiracy will face tough consequences.”

The CM clarified that the state currently has 94,892 metric tonnes (MT) of urea, with another 44,508 MT arriving within ten days. For the current kharif season, 6.65 lakh MT has been ensured — 97,000 MT more than last year. “There is no shortage. This is a manufactured crisis,” he said.

Naidu detailed that 70,000 MT is stocked across 4,900 Rythu Bharosa Kendras, 1,890 PACS, and 8,150 private dealers. 28,000 MT has been delivered in just ten days. For the upcoming rabi season, the Centre has sanctioned 9.38 lakh MT, he added. He accused YSRCP of hijacking fertiliser stocks in Krishna district to stage fake protests. “They light fires and cry foul. Farmers should not fall for this drama,” he said, calling it "poisonous propaganda."

Naidu revealed that 1,284 MT of urea had been seized in recent raids, vowing to crush such rackets. He urged farmers to reduce chemical use and adopt drone technology, for which subsidies will be provided. “We’re ensuring supply and promoting healthy farming,” he said, reminding that Rs. 7,000 was recently credited into each farmer’s account. Taking a swipe at Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, Naidu dismissed his demand for Opposition status. “With just 19 seats, he doesn’t qualify. Opposition is earned, not given,” he said.