In a press release issued by its district committee, the CPI(M) said the district is "reeling under severe drought," with crops withering, drinking water scarce and fodder in short supply.
The party announced that protests will be staged across Anantapur on September 25 and 26, followed by a dharna in front of the Collector’s office on September 28, to highlight the plight of local farmers.
As part of a 12‑point charter, the CPI(M) is demanding a complete waiver of crop loans and an input subsidy of ₹50,000 per acre for farmers whose standing crops have been lost, and ₹30,000 per acre for those unable to sow in ayacut and upland areas.
The party also urged the central government to declare the drought a national calamity and to allocate a special relief package of ₹20,000 crore for Anantapur.
If the demands are met, the relief measures could provide significant financial support to the district’s agrarian community, which has been hit hard by prolonged water scarcity.