Two months after the farmer suicides began in Odisha, the ruling Biju Janata Dal on Friday announced to organise a meet to boost self-confidence of the peasants affected by drought.
The BJD will hold a farmer gathering ‘Chasi Samabesh’ at Sohela in Bargarh district on November 19. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik is likely to address the gathering. The party will communicate to farmers about different drought mitigation measures and the government package.
Since September, more than 90 farmers have committed suicides across the State. Bargarh district accounts for most of the suicides with over 20 deaths. The official estimate had, however, put suicide deaths at 41 several weeks ago.
The BJD’s proposed gathering, however, drew widespread flak from the Opposition parties. Leader of Opposition Narasingha Mishra said: “The BJD was forced to plan a meet after the Congress’ Bolangir demonstration received spontaneous support from the farmer community. The BJD’s meet is nothing but an attempt to hoodwink farmers.”
Lashing out at the BJD government, Mr. Mishra said: “If the Chief Minister is coming to attend the meet, he must explain to the farmers about the free power, crop loan at 1 per cent interest rate and assured irrigation to all parts of the State. Moreover, he should also clarify as to how his government found that farmers were committing suicides not due to crop failure.”
Veteran BJP leader Biswa Bhushan Harichandan was equally scathing in his attack. “The farmer suicide toll has now crossed 100. The insensitive government has not even acknowledged that the suicides were due to crop failure. This is sheer arrogance which has badly hurt farmer community,” Mr. Harichandan said.
Meanwhile, a suicide has been reported from Subarnapur district. The farmer identified as Sankhapani Nag consumed pesticides on Friday. He was immediately rushed to Bolangir District Headquarter Hospital where he died. According to his family members, Nag had grown paddy in his 3 acres and taken cultivation in another 8 acres on sharing basis.