Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, Nov 6: Agriculture minister Pradeep Maharathy Friday reportedly pulled the plug on his trip to Sambalpur on a day when students of Utkal University lobbed an egg at the car of Chief Secretary GC Pati presuming it to be that of higher education and industries minister Debi Prasad Mishra.
The move comes amid escalating protests against the government on the issue of farmer suicides. Sources said Maharathy cancelled his trip fearing a backlash from protesting farmers and Opposition activists, a day after his motorcade was the target of a similar egg attack by locals in Nuapada district.
Maharathy was scheduled to visit Sambalpur after wrapping up his Kalahandi and Nuapada tour to inspect the drought situation. However, the minister returned to Bhubaneswar without visiting the western district Friday.
The minister visited drought-affected Narla and Bhawanipatna blocks in Kalahandi district Wednesday, where four debt-ridden farmers allegedly committed suicide. However, many farmers waiting to meet him were disappointed as the minister failed to turn up. The agriculture minister also faced criticism for not visiting the families of the deceased farmers.
Opposition activists Thursday waved black flags at Maharathy and pelted eggs at his motorcade when he was going to the Nuapada district collector’s office to participate in a review meeting. The protesters even tried to block the minister’s vehicle at Barpadar in Khadiala and at Nuapada town.
The agriculture minister was meted out similar treatment at two places in Bolangir district last Tuesday.
The unending spree of farmer suicides has come as a shot in the arm for the Congress and BJP, who have latched on to the issue to attack the government.
Attempts to contact Maharathy for his comments remained futile.
