Govt., opposition should work together to improve farmer's condition: Rajnath

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday termed farmer Gajendra Singh's death a 'national shame', urging the opposition to cooperate with the government to find out a solution of the problems faced by farmers in the country.

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Gajendra had committed suicide during a rally in the national capital.

Singh said that though 68 percent of the population is involved in agricultural activities, their total contribution to the national income is only 14 percent.

"This reflects the pathetic condition of farmers; instead of politicising the issue the opposition should work with government. I am not calling the opposition 'anti farmer', I am talking about actions that can be taken," Singh said, while speaking in the Lok Sabha.

"The UPA government didn't waive off farmer's debt when natural disaster struck, but during the election year. Our government is standing strong with the farmers of the nation," he added.

The minister further informed the House that when Gajendra was trying to commit suicide, the police requested people who were gathered to stop applauding and raising slogans but they did not stop.

"The police requested people who were gathered to stop applauding and raising slogans. This matter has been asked to be investigated by the Crime Branch. The FIR has been registered at the Parliament Street police station," Singh said.

The issue of farmer's suicide yesterday at an Aam Aadmi Party rally against the Land Acquisition Bill in the capital rocked Parliament today.

The matter was raised by Trinamool Congress members and supported by other opposition parties including Samajwadi Party, Left and Congress party.

Meanwhile, Mallikarjun Kharge of Congress has demanded a judicial inquiry into the incident and also questioned the role of Delhi Police during the incident.