BRS Alleges Rice Export Scam, Telangana Government Denies Charges

Hyderabad, March 2026 : The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) on Monday alleged irregularities in the export of rice to the Philippines and demanded the constitution of a House Committee to investigate the matter. The Telangana government, however, strongly refuted the allegations, calling the deal a “historic agreement” aimed at benefiting farmers.

Raising the issue during Question Hour in the Assembly, BRS Deputy Leader T. Harish Rao questioned the transparency of the rice export process. He sought details regarding the agreement with the Philippines and also raised concerns over the appointment of Premchand Garg as an advisor, claiming that Garg is facing cases from central agencies, including the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

Harish Rao alleged that a scam had taken place in the export process and urged the Speaker to constitute a House Committee to probe the matter. He questioned why the government did not float tenders for the export and instead awarded the contract to a private firm on a nomination basis.

The BRS leader also sought clarification on whether 7,500 tonnes of rice were still lying at Kakinada port and whether the government was incurring warehouse and handling charges. He claimed that the alleged irregularities had caused financial losses to the state exchequer.

Responding to the allegations, Civil Supplies Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy categorically denied any wrongdoing. He clarified that there was no connection between the rice export agreement and Premchand Garg, dismissing the opposition’s claims as baseless.

The minister asserted that Telangana has emerged as a key player in the global rice market and that the agreement with the Philippines government was designed to eliminate middlemen and ensure better returns for farmers. He described the arrangement as a landmark step that would directly benefit paddy growers in the state.

Despite the clarification, BRS members staged a protest in the Assembly, alleging that the minister failed to provide satisfactory answers to their queries.

Reiterating the government’s commitment to farmers, Uttam Kumar Reddy assured that every grain produced during the Rabi season would be procured at the minimum support price. He also highlighted that the state has allocated Rs 3,500 crore to provide a Rs 500 bonus per quintal on fine rice, reinforcing its pro-farmer policies.

The issue is likely to remain a point of political contention in the coming days.

(The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)