BJP slams TMC after RTI reveals 122 farmer suicides in Bengal
Edited By: Divya Thearia
20 September 2022 (New Delhi): BJP has slammed TMC government after glaring facts emerged as activist Bishwanath Goswami sought clarifications on farmer suicides in West Bengal’s Purba Medinipur region through a right to information (RTI) application. In contrast to the West Bengal state government’s projection, at least 122 farmers have been reported dead in the region in the last year.
Where most suicides took place?
The Bengal government, on the other hand, reported zero deaths. Even the most recent National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data stated that no farmers had committed suicide in the state. According to reports, Ghatal had the highest number of suicide cases in 2021, with 63. This year, 13 farmers have committed suicide in the region. Last year, 14 farmers died in Goaltore village, and 5 people committed suicide this year.
BJP leader demanded answers from TMC chief
BJP leader posted a screenshot of the report on Twitter and demanded answers from TMC chief Mamata Banerjee. Malviya wrote on Twitter, “In the latest NCRB report, West Bengal Govt declared ZERO farmer deaths due to suicides.” However, an RTI activist discovered that for the same time period, the number of farmer deaths in Paschim Medinipur was 122. Mamata Banerjee must respond. This is not only a thieving government, but also a criminal one.” The opposition parties, led by the BJP, have continued to criticise and question the data and intent of the Bengal government in relation to the incidents.
What does the NCRB report say?
Incidentally, just a few days ago, the NCRB released two reports titled ‘Crime in India 2021’ and ‘Accidental Deaths and Suicides (ADSI) in India 2021’. The report says that the number of suicides in West Bengal in 2021 is 13,500, and the rate of suicide in WB is 13.7%, which is high among the bigger states. However, the report did not mention that any farmer had committed suicide. According to the NCRB report, no farmer or agricultural labourer committed suicide in West Bengal last year.