Telangana CM to perform Varuna Yagam amid farm distress criticism

In the Indian state of Telangana, the state's leader, A Revanth Reddy, plans to hold a special prayer called a Varuna Yagam.

The prayer will happen on August 10 on the banks of a big dam called Nagarjuna Sagar.

People hold this prayer to ask for good rain so farmers can grow healthy crops.

This year, the rainy season started badly, with 61% less rain than usual in June.

The rains improved in July, coming very close to the normal amount.

Some other political parties, like the BRS and the BJP, say the prayer is not enough.

They say farmers need real help, like free electricity, fertilisers, money for crops and insurance.

Farmer groups say they are not against the prayer, but they want their farm lands back and better welfare schemes.

So everyone hopes the prayer brings rain, but many also want the government to do more practical work for farmers.