Harish Rao Demands Withdrawal of GO on Farmers’ DISCOM

Former Telangana minister and BRS Legislature Party Deputy Floor Leader Harish Rao strongly opposed the Congress government’s decision to establish a separate DISCOM for farmers through GO No. 17, demanding its immediate withdrawal. He alleged that the move could threaten the continuation of free agricultural electricity and criticised the government for ignoring objections raised by political parties, employee unions, power sector experts and farmers. He questioned how the new utility would benefit farmers without clear assurances on reliable power supply and the quality of electricity provided to agricultural consumers.

Harish Rao also raised concerns over the transfer of agricultural connections, lift irrigation schemes, Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board connections, and Mission Bhagiratha connections to the proposed DISCOM. He questioned whether the organisation could manage the extensive electricity network with limited staff and sought clarity on power allocation, debts, administrative expenses and employee transfers. He demanded a written assurance that 24-hour free electricity would continue without cuts and called for full disclosure of the new utility’s financial and operational details. The BRS leader urged the government to address farmers’ concerns and withdraw the order if their questions remained unanswered.