For Modi's birthday, farmers send 68 paise cheques

On Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 67th birthday, a non-profit group from the state of Andhra Pradesh used the occasion to highlight the plight of farmers in the region.

In a unique move, Rayalaseema Saguneeti Sadhana Samiti (RSSS), a group working for drought-hit farmers in Rayalaseema, sent 400 cheques of 68 paise each to the prime minister to highlight the agrarian crisis faced by four districts in the region, reports Indian news portal NDTV.

"We are sending 68 paise cheques as a token to draw your attention to our backwardness," the news portal reports quoting RSSS co-convener Yerva Raamachandra Reddy.

The group claimed that Rayalaseema remains one of the most backward regions in the country despite the abundant resources there, reports NDTV.

Kurnool, Anantpur, Chittoor and Kadapa districts are deprived of water despite rivers like Krishna and Penna passing through it.

Among these districts, Anantpur receives the second lowest rainfall after Thar desert in the country.

They claim that politicians are not interested in the farmer crisis in Rayalaseema due to the lack of political influence it carries

With state leaders showing apathy to their plight, the farmers hope that their unique protest will help bring centre's attention to the region.