2,422 farmers committed suicide under Cong govt; CM Siddaramaiah betrayed farmers: Karnataka BJP
Bengaluru, Dec 9 (LatestNewsX) – The Karnataka BJP attacked the Congress‑led government on Tuesday, accusing it of ignoring farmers’ plight. It pointed out that over the last two‑and‑a‑half years, 2,422 farmers have committed suicide, placing Karnataka second in India for farmer suicides.
In the state Assembly, Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka delivered a scathing speech. He stated: “In two-and-a-half years, 2,422 farmers have committed suicide. Among them, 32 are sugarcane growers. Karnataka’s share in the entire country is 22.5 per cent, ranking second. Tamil Nadu has a share of 5.9 per cent and Andhra Pradesh eight per cent. This is the scorecard of this (Congress) government.” He added that the state has 86.81 lakh farming families, representing roughly 70 % of the population, and that the Agriculture Department’s vision report assures food security. He criticised Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s claim that every woman head of a family receives Rs 2,000 each month. Ashoka further said money was funneled to families through higher liquor prices, and that the state’s treasury was drained by guarantees, pushing relief for drought victims out of reach.
“The CM hasn’t delivered on promises for North Karnataka and its farmers. The government shows no sensitivity,” he accused. He reminded the assembly that Siddaramaiah had pledged a government that lives up to its promises.
“In May 2008 Siddaramaiah promised that farmers’ produce prices would reflect production costs and that a 5,000‑crore‑rupee revolving fund would be created. Yet, in two‑and‑a‑half years, none of that has happened.” Ashoka highlighted shortcomings in the manifesto too: “They spoke of setting up a Rs 5,000‑crore disaster‑management fund, but despite floods across North Karnataka, no money was allocated. Loan repayments were to be postponed, milk incentives raised to Rs 7, and Rs 500 crore earmarked for grape growers. None of this lived up to the farm promises.” He pointed out that Congress leaders insisted the central government fixed sugarcane prices, yet the Supreme Court ordered the state to supplement them. “State ministers, including Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, only met the Prime Minister in a courtesy visit, but that doesn’t prove they appealed,” he noted.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah cautioned the opposition to stick to facts, warning them to avoid false claims and to speak respectfully in the assembly. He urged opposition members to stay focused and uphold the house’s dignity.
During a debate on North Karnataka, R. Ashoka again accused the government of not offering farmers proper compensation. Responding, State Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda said that 38 lakh farmers received compensation last year, totaling Rs 2,245 crore, and that despite repeated requests, the union government had yet to release any funds.
The dispute escalated, prompting Speaker U.T. Khader to adjourn the house for ten minutes. When the session resumed, Siddaramaiah decried the interruptions, stressing the constitutionally protected right of the opposition and the house’s leaders to speak unbrokenly. He warned against pointless disruptions and reminded everyone that no one should block the proceedings. mka/khz
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