Former Chief Minister and Janata Dal (Secular) leader H D Kumaraswamy has accused the Congress government in Karnataka of suppressing the actual number of farmer suicides in the state. Speaking to the media, Kumaraswamy claimed that the government deliberately underreported these figures to avoid political embarrassment.
According to Kumaraswamy, data obtained from official sources reveals that 2,423 farmers and agricultural laborers died by suicide in 2023. The numbers, he said, rose sharply to 2,971 in 2024. He alleged that the state government manipulated these statistics to present a more favorable picture of its performance in the agricultural sector.
Government's Response
The Congress government has not yet officially responded to these allegations. However, sources within the government have dismissed the claims as politically motivated, stating that farmer suicide data is collected and reported transparently through established protocols.
Political Implications
Kumaraswamy's accusations come at a time when farmer distress is a major political issue in Karnataka, especially in the wake of consecutive droughts and crop failures. The JD(S) leader has been vocal about the need for better support systems for farmers, including loan waivers and improved irrigation facilities.
The issue is expected to feature prominently in the upcoming assembly sessions, with opposition parties demanding a detailed explanation from the government. Kumaraswamy has also called for a comprehensive inquiry into the matter and urged the central government to intervene.
This development adds to the ongoing political tensions in Karnataka, where the Congress government, led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, faces criticism over its handling of the agrarian crisis.
