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TN govt gets flak for affidavit on farmer suicides

The Opposition parties in the state, including the DMK, have demanded that the government immediately withdraw the affidavit and file a factual report reflecting the ground realities.

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The affidavit claimed drought is not the reason for farmer suicides in the state
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In a development that will anger the protesting Tamil Nadu farmers in the national capital, the state government on Friday found itself in a new controversy over the affidavit filed in the Supreme Court claiming drought is not the reason for farmer suicides in the state. The government clarified that those who have, took the extreme step due to personal reasons.

The Opposition parties in the state, including the DMK, have demanded that the government immediately withdraw the affidavit and file a factual report reflecting the ground realities.

In the affidavit filed on Friday, the Tamil Nadu government said that according to a report submitted by the district collectors, it had sanctioned a sum of Rs 3 lakh each to the families of each of the 82 farmers who died due to old age, heart attack, prolonged illness and other ailments. "The report also revealed that of the 82 farmers, 30 committed suicide due to various reasons, including family problems," the affidavit states, which was filed after a bench led by Justice Dipak Misra had chided the state for its silence and lack of concern.

MK Stalin, DMK Working President, who chaired a meeting with the party's district secretaries, accused the government of misrepresenting the state's case on farmers' death in the Supreme Court. "The government declared the state as drought-hit and demanded Rs 30,000 crore from the Centre. The drought situation pushed the farmers over the edge. If there was no drought, why would the farmers commit suicide, and why should the government seek relief from the Centre?" said Stalin.

Dr S. Ramadoss, Founder, PM, asked the government to immediately withdraw the affidavit and file a new one reflecting the true situation. "The government should also provide a compensation of Rs 10 lakh each to the families of the deceased farmers," he said.

"Tamil Nadu is facing an unprecedented drought. Farmers and peasants have lost their livelihood. In the last six months alone, over 300 farmers have either committed suicide or died of shock. What else could have prompted them to commit suicide other than drought?," said P Shanmugham, General Secretary, Tamil Nadu Farmers Association

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