Rahul Gandhi hits out at Modi govt over farm distress, raises Wayanad farmers’ suicide in Lok Sabha

Continuing his angry tirade against the Modi government over farm distress, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi raised the issue of farmers’ suicide in Wayanad in Lok Sabha on Thursday, saying “farmers are facing the threat of immediate eviction” all over the country.

Speaking during the Zero Hour, Rahul Gandhi reminded PM Modi of his commitments and urged the government to take prompt action to address the crisis.

“There has been a spate of suicides. In Kerala, 18 farmers have committed suicides so far,” highlighted Rahul during his speech.

Stating that the condition of farmers in the country was “terrible” Rahul added, “I would like to request the Central government to direct the Reserve Bank of India to consider the moratorium by the Kerala government and ensure that banks don’t threaten farmers with a recovery notice”.

Due to non-payment of loans, notices have been issued to 8,000 farmers in Wayanad by various banks, informed Rahul to the parliament.

Criticising the Union Budget for taking “no concrete measures for farmers” Rahul Gandhi said, “The farmers in the country are suffering. I would like to draw the government's attention towards it. No concrete steps were taken in the Union Budget to provide relief to the farmers.”

Countering Rahul Gandhi, Union Minister Rajnath Singh who was present in the lower house blamed previous governments for farmers’ suicides.

Singh said, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken several initiatives for the farmers. Our government has done a lot and will continue to do the same. I can assure you that there has been a drop in farmer suicides under the Modi government.”