Dinesh Kamath's Editorial '‘Do or Die’ attitude of the farmers' that was published in Newsband

‘Do or Die’ attitude of the farmers

The farmers who have severe grievance were camping in New Delhi. Rahul Gandhi held a discussion with them and used this opportunity to attack Prime Minister Narendra Modi whom he accused of disrespecting the drought hit farmers of Tamil Nadu by not initiating talks with them over their demands for relief package. He accused the Modi government of being “anti-poor and anti-farmer” This government only panders to the demands of a select group of industrialists, he said.

The farmers have been sitting at that place for a long time. It is sad that neither the government nor the Prime Minister felt that they should give them a patient hearing.

When the debt of 50 industrialists have been written off by this government, why the same is not being done in case of the farmers?” asked Rahul Gandhi, who after noting down all the demands of the protesters is all set to put up a fight at Tamil Nadu, Delhi and Parliament. It is left to be seen whether he will succeed in making the government provide the farmers debt waiver, drought relief and better support price. Even if Rahul Gandhi succeeds in making the PM start talks with the farmers, it will be a great achievement.

Farmers belong to the Cauvery belt in Tamil Nadu. They are demanding a drought relief package of Rs 40,000 crore from the Centre, farm loan waiver and setting up of Cauvery management board. They have adopted a ‘Do or Die’ attitude.

It is strange that Rahul Gandhi could not do anything for these farmers when could have done something when UPA was in power. He could have done something when Congress was in power in AP and Maharastra. People adopt different postures while in power and while not in power.

The main problem faced by TN farmers is Cauvery water. In spite of repeated directives from SC, Karnataka does not release water and opposes tooth & nail the formation of Cauvery management board. The protesting farmers are in urgent need of relief and it is hoped that the government will provide them the same.