28. Development programs of Shivayya

CHAPTER 28

Development programs of Shivayya

There was drought in the jilla. People were suffering. Government sanctioned 1 core per jilla. Ministers like Manohar and Shivaram started enjoying. But Shivayya used his own money to get loads of rice from the neighboring areas. He distributed it to all the villages with the help of his youth gang. He opened gangi kendras (to provide food) in all villages and brought grass for cattle. He also opened gangi Kendra in Manohar and Shivaram’s village.

Shivayya became a hero and got a place in the hearts of the people. Rains started and people got relief. Everyone was talking well of Shivayya.

In a TV interview, Shivayya said, “It is our duty to serve the people. Our organization is going to start programs for the development of the villages.”

Shivayya went to villages with his followers to inquire about their problems. He took agricultural officers to meet the farmers and got the soil tested. They told the farmers which crop will give good yield in which soil.

One day, in the nearby village, a farmer hanged himself from a tree in his garden. When Shivayya came to know, he immediately went to see him. The man’s wife was crying loudly.

Shivayya asked, “Why did he do this?”

Lady said, “We had taken loan and purchased cotton seeds. The plants came up nicely but there was no cotton.”

“Tell me from where you purchased the seeds?”

“From Chandraiah’s shop.”

Shivayya looked at one of his followers. “Bring that Chandraiah here immediately. Don’t burn the body till he arrives.”

Two men got into Shivayya’s jeep and went to Chandraiah’s shop and brought him.

Chandraiah asked with fear, “Sir, what have I done?”

Shivayya said to his men, “First you tie him to that tree.”

Men tied Chandraiah to the tree. Chandraiah started shivering.

Shivayya said angrily, “You badmash! Do you know why this farmer has commited suicide?”

Chandraiah got scared.

“Badmash! Why are you targeting these poor farmers who are giving food to the nation? You are extracting them in all aspects. In manure, seeds, medicines, etc. There is adultery in everything. You are spoiling the life of these farmers. With all difficulties he grows the crop and the whole sale dealers get together and bring the rate down. In such a situation, how can they repay the loan?”

He pointed to the hanging body. “Daily 4 to 5 farmers are dying like this because of you people.”

He looked at his men. “Bring kerosene. If we burn one body, others will not dare to cheat the farmers.”

Chandraiah started pleading for forgiveness. “Brother, forgive me. Please don’t kill me. I will do anything you want.”

Shivayya said angrily, “She is asking for her husband’s life. Can you give that?”

“Please I will not do like that again. “

Shivayya looked at his men.

One man said, “If he survives, 4 more farmers will commit suicide. Don’t leave him.”

Chandraiah shivered in fear. “Please forgive me. I have 4 daughters. What will happen to them?”

Shivayya looked at him and then closed his eyes for a while. He looked at his men.

“Leave him. “

The men untied Chandraiah.

Shivayya said, “Eh! You have survived because of your children. Give that lady 5 lakhs other wise I will not leave you.”

Chandraiah said, “I will get the money now itself.”

He phoned to his wife immediately. “It is urgent. Bring 5 lakhs immediately.”

Shivayya warned him. “If any other farmer commits suicide because of you, I will burn you alive in your shop itself.”