CHENNAI: The protests of Tamil Nadu farmers in Delhi echoed in the Rajya Sabha with its deputy chairman P.J. Kurien asking the government to talk to them and end their agitation for crop loan waiver. As farmers protest entered the 29th day, DMK member 'Tiruchy' N.Siva, who raised the issue in the House was supported by the AIADMK and Left party members.
Kurien, who was in the chair, asked why the ministers are not meeting the farmers and listening to their grievances. Siva, who gave notice under rule 267 seeking suspension of the day's business to discuss the plight of Tamil Nadu farmers said no one from the government had given the agitating farmers an audience.
Siva said the farmers are demanding crop loan waiver and linking of Cauvery river to help them overcome difficulties arising from drought in the state. Though his notice was not allowed, Siva was permitted to make a brief mention of the issue. Since crop loans had been extended by the public sector banks, the central government must give an assurance, he said. "Assurance should be given by Prime Minister or a senior minister. They are not even giving an audience," he said alleging that the Centre had no sympathy for the Tamil Nadu farmers.
While AIADMK's A Navaneethakrishnan supported the DMK member saying the Central government must respond, D Raja (CPI) said the government was insensitive to the plight of Tamil farmers. CPM leader Sitaram Yechury said newspapers had carried reports of the agitating farmers being forced to eat rats for survival. Kurien said he too has seen the reports of agitating farmers agitating carrying human skulls and eating rates.
He said one of representatives of government should meet and talk to them to convince them to end their agitation. Agreeing with the feelings of the members, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said it is a sensitive and important issue and he will convey to the concerned minister the feelings of the House. In Chennai, students of Left parties tried to besiege the Sastri Bhavan expressing support to the farmers protest.
