Politicians descend on farmers house at Sr'patna

Family members provided compensation

With the issue of farmers’ suicide reverberating the State, political leaders descended on the residence of C Rajendra, a farmer of Chinnenahalli in the taluk, who had committed suicide on June 19.

The leaders, such as Housing Minister Ambarish, former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa and former prime minister H D Deve Gowda visited the house of the farmer.

Deve Gowda promised to raise the issue of farmers’ suicides in the State as well as in the Parliament. He said, none of the farmers had committed suicide during his tenure as chief minister. 

Despite the shocking suicide of farmer Ningegowda on Thursday, the chief minister has not sympathised with the family, Siddaramaiah is the most irresponsible chief minister the State has ever seen, he said.

Noting that cases of farmers’ suicides has increased significantly in the past 15 years, he said, steps have to be taken to prevent them. He extended a compensation of Rs 50,000 for the family of the deceased.

Ambarish visit

Housing Minister Ambarish said, directions have been issued to the bank, from which Rajendra had availed a loan, to reduce the interest rate.

He said, the State government is working for the welfare of farmers and steps are being taken to close down sugar factories which have not paid arrears to farmers. 

“Rs 70 crore is required to revive the Pandavapura Cooperative Sugar Factory. The State has decided to pay Rs 30 crore for the purpose and the remaining funds will also be raised. Despite crores of funds have been released to MySugar factory, it has shown little signs of revival,” he said. 

While the minister paid a compensation of Rs 50,000, Deputy Commissioner presented a cheque for Rs 25,000 under an insurance scheme.

Siddu criticised

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was severely criticised by Yeddyurappa. “Siddaramaiah has no concern for the welfare of farmers. It is unfortunate that he is the chief minister of the State,” he said.

Raising objection against the Rs 1 lakh compensation paid to the family of the deceased farmer, he urged the State to pay at least Rs 5 lakh. He extended a compensation of Rs 25,000 to the family.