BENGALURU: Minister for Medical Education and Major Irrigation D K Shivakumar on Monday said his government will not be held to ransom by threats of suicide from farmers.
Shivakumar deemed a farmer’s suicide bid in Nanjangud as “blackmail” and threatened action against anyone who holds the government to ransom. The statement was in reaction to a paddy farmer’s attempt to suicide by jumping into the Kabini dam over crop damage due to excessive rains.
“This government does not encourage farmer suicides. We won’t be held at ransom over threats of suicides. This tactic to blackmail the government won’t be tolerated and legal action will have to be taken against those who indulge in it,” Shivakumar told reporters.
The minister said the state has been receiving good rains but damage and loss faced by farmers due to excess water will be compensated later. “As a precautionary measure, 6tmcft of water has been released from Kabini. Compensation for farmers who have faced crop damage due to excess water will also be considered,” he said. Attacking former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa for protests demanding farm loan waiver, Shivakumar said it was a time-taking process which needed some patience.