Jagtial: The political landscape in Korutla revolves around the Muthyampet sugar mill, which ceased operations in 2009, announcing a layoff on December 22, 2015, leaving numerous sugarcane farmers in a precarious situation, reported The Indian Express.
Once spanning over 70,000 hectares, sugarcane cultivation in the region has significantly dwindled over the years.
As elections loom just a fortnight away, the Muthyampet sugar mill has emerged as a focal point for all three major parties – the BRS, BJP, and Congress. The pink party pledges to reopen the factory within 100 days if they assume power, but this commitment fails to resonate with the disillusioned farmers.
Established during delimitation in 2009, the Korutla constituency has witnessed three general elections, with the BRS consistently holding the seat. The current MLA is Kalvakuntla Vidyasagar Rao, and the main contenders for the upcoming elections are Dharmapuri Arvind from the BJP, Dr Kalvakuntla Sanjay from the BRS, and Juvvadi Narsinga Rao from the Congress. Korutla is part of the Nizamabad Lok Sabha constituency, presently represented by BJP candidate Dharmapuri Arvind.
The BRS has nominated the incumbent MLA’s son, Dr Sanjay, known for his community-oriented healthcare contributions. He works in a Hyderabad-based super specialty hospital but prioritizes the constituents, earning him local recognition.
Initially, sugarcane farmers contemplated filing mass nominations in protest of the government’s neglect of their demand to reopen the Muthyampet mill. However, they withdrew after receiving assurances from the government.
In a constituency primarily reliant on agriculture, cultivating turmeric, maize, and sugarcane, the BJP’s Dharmapuri Arvind could gain an advantage from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent commitment to establish a national turmeric board, benefiting farmers in Jagtial and Nizamabad districts.
Arvind stated, “I have brought the National Turmeric Board. I will also make efforts for the reopening of the Muthyampet mill to help sugarcane farmers. I will get an allotment of houses for the poor from the Central government.”
BRS candidate Dr. Sanjay affirmed his commitment to continuing his father’s work, ensuring government welfare schemes reach all eligible beneficiaries. Congress nominee Juvvadi Narsinga Rao, son of the late Juvvadi Ratnakar Rao, vowed to prioritize local issues if elected.
