BHUBANESWAR: With the State Government refusing to accept farmers’ suicide over crop loss and the relief measures announced by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik not enough to compensate the loss sustained by farmers, the BJP on Sunday decided to stage agitation to press for more assistance for the farming community.
The current crisis in the agriculture sector arising out of scanty rainfall and pest attack on kharif crops which led to farmers suicide in the State was discussed elaborately at several party forums, including the core committee of the BJP here on Sunday. A meeting of the BJP Krushak Morcha was convened here to deliberate on the issue and give a final shape to next course of action, said State BJP general secretary Pruthviraj Harichandan.
The core committee meeting of the party chaired by State BJP president Basanta Panda lambasted the Government for refusing to accept that distressed farmers are committing suicide due to crop loss and loan burdens. Taking strong exception to Agriculture Minister Damodar Rout’s recent statement that the reasons behind the untimely death of Brundaban Sahu of Kalapani village of Bargarh district is not clear, the party said this showed the apathy of the Government towards the farmers.The central leadership of the BJP had sent a six-member team to take stock of situation in pest-affected districts. The team has submitted its report to party president Amit Shah.
Sources in the party said Shah, who is taking feedback from the State on a regular basis, has asked the State leadership to step up activities and reach out to the farmers. He also advised to highlight the failures of the ruling BJD through agitations. BJP general secretary in-charge of Odisha Arun Singh and joint general secretary (organisation) Soudan Singh are holding meetings with State leaders since Saturday on the farmers’ issue. Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan was present in the core committee meeting.Earlier in the day, the two central leaders of the party discussed the farmers problems with district BJP presidents and pravaris followed by a separate meeting with State office bearers.