Declare TN as drought-hit, political parties urge government

: Leaders of political parties in Tamil Nadu have expressed concern over the recent deaths of farmers, and the distress of the agricultural community at large. Five deaths were reported on Friday, and one death was reported on Saturday.

Besides seeking an appointment with Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam to discuss farmers’ suicide in the State, Leader of the Opposition and DMK treasurer M.K. Stalin has reiterated his demand for a special session of the Assembly to chalk out a programme to end their plight. He also urged the government to declare Tamil Nadu as a drought-hit State. The demand was also made by the PMK and MMK on Saturday.

Talking to reporters at the secretariat after submitting a letter for the appointment, Mr. Stalin said a total of 59 farmers had committed suicide, and even on Friday, five had ended their lives. “We have already handed over a copy of the resolutions adopted in the meeting of farmers’ representatives to Mr. Panneerselvam and called for a meeting of farmers’ associations. But, he has not taken any action. Since he was not present, we have left the request in his office,” he said.

Mr. Stalin said even though the government had launched Chief Minister’s

Uzhavar Paathukaapu Thittam , the farmers had not received any financial assistance so far. “The government has not even bothered to reach out to the families of farmers who have committed suicide,” he said.