Orissa's prosperity depends on farmer's development: Rajnath Singh

Lashing out at BJD government in Orissa for alleged farmer suicide, BJP today said Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik must realise that the state would prosper only if the farmers gain prosperity and not simply by mindless industrialisation.

"Suicide by farmers in Orissa is a matter of concern. While pursuing industrialisation, BJD government must make efforts to mitigate the plight of the peasants," BJP stalwart Rajnath Singh told reporters here.

"Orissa cannot move on the path of prosperity if the farmers do not prosper. Naveen Patnaik must realise this," Singh, who was here to as part of BJP's country-wide campaign against price rise, said.

Stating that the public distribution system (PDS) had collapsed in Orissa, the former BJP president said foodgrains like wheat were rotting in godowns but the poor people were unable to get the commodities.

Singh said various surveys showed that states ruled by BJP and NDA have been performing better than those governed by Congress.

Not a single farmer has committed suicide in BJP-ruled Chhattisgarh where the government is trying its best to deal with Maoist menace, he said.