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Bhubaneswar: Breaking his silence over farmers’ deaths in the wake of drought-like situation, Bhubaneswar BJD MP Prasanna Patsani Tuesday said the authorities may consider issuing a ‘white paper’ on the issue.
Speaking to reports at the Secretariat, the ruling party MP said farmers’ deaths would be probed and the government may consider releasing a white paper on the issue.
However, the MP made a U-turn soon after making this remark, and said it would be a wise decision to release a white paper on the controversial issue.
Patsani’s reaction has armed the Opposition to target the government over the issue.
“Though belated, the ruling party leaders have agreed with the Opposition contention. The government should release a white paper on farmers’ suicides,” said leader of Opposition Narasingha Mishra.
Previously, BJD spokesperson and former minister Pratap Deb had reportedly made suggestions about white paper on the farmers’ deaths. The reports, however, were denied by the leaders.
Some remarks of senior leaders on drought and farmer deaths have drawn flak in a section of the media recently.
Sambalpur MP Nagendra Pradhan (BJD) has reportedly stated that a report on farmers’ suicides submitted by the district collector is ‘‘faulty’’.
Puri MP Pinaki Mishra had stated that indebted farmers were in a state of depression due to crop loss and accused BJP workers of lending money and forcing farmers to take extreme steps.
Most recently, BJD women wing leader Pramila Mallick, drew bitter criticism for her comments on the issue of farmers’ deaths in the state.
