BJP criticizes Odisha government over farmer suicide issue

The Odisha BJP on Sunday came down heavily on the state government for failing to arrest drought-like situation in the state, compelling farmers to commit suicide following crop loss and due to debt burden.

"Farmers have taken short-term loans to raise their crops, damaged by weak monsoon. Even as the state government has announced a drought package, it did not reach the farmers. The moneylenders are heckling them for the debt money," said Odisha BJP in-charge Arun Singh.

While the farmers are unable to repay the debt due to crop loss, they have lost all hope in the state government for not providing any help that would arrest the drought situation, he added.

The party, which held its core committee meeting on Sunday to discuss the organizational elections and various issues affecting the state, decided to protest the insensitive attitude of Odisha government towards farmers' plight.

Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also criticized the government for failing to submit official memorandum to the Centre to get central assistance for the drought situation.

"The state government is yet to prepare and submit a memorandum on the basis of which the centre would send its team to assess the situation and release funds," Pradhan told media persons here.