Unabated farmers suicides in Karnataka shows the agrarian distress and failure of political class to contain the extreme steps the farmers are taking. The increase in numbers of farmer’s extremity for the past two months has surpassed all records and the ruling Government is groping in the dark without finding any solution, apart from giving some alms to the kith and kin of the dead farmers.
The entire episode of continued farmers’ suicide in Karnataka has cast a shadow on over the two-year old ruling Congress Government in Karnataka. Though Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who is playing the backward classes politics to the hilt has become a mute witness to the ongoing episode, has done nothing but offering some financial assistance which is not the only reason for the unabated deaths.
According to statistics, over 50 farmers have allegedly committed suicide since the beginning of June across the State.
According to Chukki Nanjundaswamy, an activist and leader of Karnataka Rajaya Ryatha Sangha (KRRS) which is spearheading a movement against the farmers suicides, it was the failure of both the State, Cente and their polices. She said “Changing agricultural practices has affected the farming community. The climate change, privatization, policies and no effective process of subsidy distribution all have contributed to farmers taking extreme steps. Farmers are facing livelihood questions. Governments have failed to instill confidence in farming community.”