Bargarh: Reacting to Odisha Agriculture Minister Damodar Rout’s comments that the State government will not extend assistance to farmers who have burnt their crops, Preeti Sahu, daughter of deceased farmer Brunda Sahu who committed suicide after setting his crops on fire allegedly over crop failure in Kalapani area of Bargarh district said, it is an insult to injury and her father took the extreme step knowing very well that the government will not help in any case.
The reaction came after Rout's statement that the farmers who have suffered more than 33 per cent crop loss due to pests or any natural calamity will get compensation but those who have burnt their crops will not be given any assistance.
Speaking to OTV, Preeti said that being the Agriculture Minister of the State it is disgraceful on his part to make such comments.
"For an Agriculture Minister of the State such remarks are very irresponsible and he should resign. We knew that administration is not going to help us. If at all they wanted to help they would have done it earlier and farmer suicides would have stopped."
Rout’s announcement was also criticised by Odisha BJP President Basant Panda who termed it as an insensible decision.
Panda alleged that the death of farmer Brunda Sahu is a murder committed by the ruling government rather than a suicide.
"Farmers in the State are suffering but the government is ignorant about it. Such a policy is an insult to democracy," he added.
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