AP Minister Calls Farmer ‘Erri pappa’, Alcoholic?

Minister Karumuri Nageswara Rao’s harsh reply to an aggrieved farmer triggered criticism from the public. Power should never make the leader arrogant. Instead, it should remind the leader of his responsibility and be more understanding and empathetic towards people’s problems.

The minister attended a programme at Tanuku in West Godavari district when a farmer raised the issue of damage to his crop due to the untimely rains. The farmer poured out his woes to the minister and said that the paddy crop has started sprouting, due to the frequent rains. On hearing to this, the minister became ferocious and said, “Fool… what should I do if it starts sprouting,” he asked.

Nageswara Rao’s remarks became viral and the public began criticizing the minister. Understanding the damage his demeanor had done, Rao went into the damage control mode. He claimed that he had spoken softly only when the farmer approached him. Further, he said that man in the viral video was not a farmer but an alcoholic. He said that the alcoholic intentionally approached and spoke to him. In the same breath, the minister said that even if he had spoken the words, they were not abusive or indecent. This reply by the minister should make one understand that he is trying to defend himself but did not refuse to own up his words.

This erratic behavior by the YCP leader made the onlookers feel that he does not give two hoots to people’s problems and grievances.