CM has failed to instil confidence in farmers: Deve Gowda

Birur, Aug 24: Former prime minister H D Deve Gowda on Saturday, came down heavily on government for neglecting farmers in the state, who are commiting suicides following crop loss and unable to repay loans.

Speaking after meeting family members of farmer Thimmanna, who had committed suicide in the month of July, at Hullehalli, Devegowda said, he had spoken to Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the problems faced by the farmers in the State. But, the PM had remained silent on the issue. “In spite of letters written to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, he has failed to address the issue and come to the rescue of farmers,” Devegowda charged.

“In stead of laying so much of emphasis on ‘Make in India,’ the Prime Minister should protect the interest of farmers in the country,” he urged, accusing that the Centre had announced package for the sugar factory owners and not for the farmers who had supplied sugarcanes to the factory.

“300 farmers ended their lives in the state. But Ahinda CM has failed to waive off loans taken by farmers. In stead of organising investor meets, the government should listen to the woes of the farmers. The CM has failed to instill confidence among farmers,” he accused.

Later at the farmers’ meet, the former prime minister opined that the government should be committed to helping farmers and called upon farmers not to commit suicide. “Suicide is not a solution to the problem. I will always be with farmers,” he assured.

MLA Y S V Datta claimed that the State government included Kadur in the list of drought-hit taluks only after he took out a padayatra from Kadur to Chikkamagaluru. “The State government has failed to check farmers’ suicide. Farmers in the state are in distress,” he rued.

“My father had availed Rs 1.35 lakh from Kaveri Grameena Bank for my education. After my engineering degree, I failed to get a placement. Bank issued notice to repay the loan. Having unable to repay the loan, my father ended his life,” Mahesh, son of farmer Mudiyappa who had committed suicide at Ochihalli in Kadur taluk complained. JD(S) district president Manjappa was present.