Harish Rao Credits BRS for Siddipet Oil Palm Factory, Accuses Congress of Stealing Credit

Former Telangana Minister T Harish Rao has strongly defended the BRS government’s role in bringing oil palm cultivation and the upcoming oil palm factory to Siddipet, while slamming the Congress for attempting to claim credit. Addressing farmers at Narmetta in Nanganur mandal on Monday, Rao said the project was possible only because of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP) completed under the leadership of former CM K Chandrashekhar Rao.

He recalled that in 2018, the Indian Institute of Oil Palm Research (IIOPR) had denied permission for oil palm cultivation in Siddipet due to lack of humidity. Approval was granted only in 2021, following the increased water availability brought by KLIP. Rao noted that nurseries were established, saplings distributed, and MLAs themselves took up cultivation to inspire farmers.

Criticizing the Congress, Rao reminded that the factory’s foundation stone was laid in 2022 and described the project as more than just an industrial venture, calling it “an emotion” for the people. Highlighting its benefits, he explained that the factory will produce 20 tonnes of oil per 100 tonnes of crop—more efficient than existing plants. Farmers, he added, could earn returns every 21 days, ensuring steady income.

Rao urged farmers to expand oil palm cultivation, stressing the high national demand for edible oil. He accused the Congress of misleading people by pretending to have initiated the project, when in reality, it was the BRS government’s efforts that made it possible.

The event was attended by MLAs Kotha Prabhakar Reddy, Palla Rajeshwar Reddy, MLC V Yadava Reddy, and other BRS leaders, underscoring the party’s attempt to reclaim ownership of the project ahead of future political battles.