The BJP on Wednesday said Agriculture and Famers’ Empowerment Minister Damodar Rout is responsible for the suicide of farmer Brunda Sahu of Kalapani village in Bargarh district and, hence, he should be arrested.
”Brunda Sahu apprised the State Government about the loss of his crops through different forums during the last three days. As he didn’t get any assurance, he first burnt the crops on the field. Still, the Agriculture Minister remained silent saying steps would be taken as per the report of the expert committee sent for investigation. Finally, he was fed up and committed suicide. Rout is responsible for his death and, hence, he should be arrested,” alleged BJP State chief spokesperson Sajjan Sharma.
Stating that farmers’ suicide has now spread from Bargarh to Jharsuguda and Sambalpur, Sharma said farmers have been suffering a lot in the State as the Government has failed to provide them with seeds, fertiliser, pesticides, loans and insurance coverage facilities. Besides, massive corruption and PC practices in Agriculture Department have led to farmer suicide in the State, he alleged.
Sharma warned the Minister against giving any misleading statement regarding farmers’ suicide and any statement that would tarnish the character of widows of farmers who commit suicide. Otherwise, the people of Odisha would give him a befitting reply, he said.