Diwakar Reddy says poor can do without subsidised rise at Re 1 per kg

Hyderabad, Nov 30: The outspoken Telugu Desam Party MP JC Diwakar Reddy claimed that poor in Andhra Pradesh can live without subsidised rice at Rs 1 per kg as they can afford a cup of tea for Rs 4. Speaking to media at Uravakonda, Diwakar Reddy explained, “In my village (Juturu, near Tadipatri), farm labourers drink tea at Rs 4 per cup and coffee at Rs 5 per cup three or four times a day. Do they need rice at Rs 1 per kg?" Speaking on the sensitive issue of free power for farmers, Diwakar Reddy felt there was a need for the government to rationalise that issue as well. Stating that power need not be supplied free, the MP said, "Let the government price it at 25 paise. Farmers will then become more prudent and the government will get some revenue. Power will not be wasted.” On the issue of NREGS, he said the government is making the workers do 'useless' work.