Kumaraswamy Blames Congress Government for Farmer Couples Suicide in Mandya

Bangalore, August 1: The tragic suicide of a farmer couple in Mandya district, Karnataka, has sparked political outrage. H.D. Kumaraswamy, the Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, visited the bereaved family and launched a scathing attack on the Congress government. He accused the administration of neglecting the worsening drought situation and ignoring the plight of struggling farmers.

Kumaraswamy traveled to Hatna Bevakallu village in Mandya Taluk, where Meese Puttaswamy (58) and his wife Nagamma (55) reportedly took their lives due to crop failure and mounting debts. The minister stated that this incident reflects the grim reality faced by the farming community across Karnataka.

Local sources revealed that the couple, who owned approximately five acres of land, was found hanging from a tree on Thursday, July 30. They lived with their children. Reports indicate that Puttaswamy had borrowed money from multiple sources over the years. Continuous low rainfall led to crop devastation, increasing pressure from creditors, which ultimately drove the couple to this tragic decision.

Speaking to reporters after meeting the family, Kumaraswamy noted that Karnataka is witnessing another wave of farmer suicides. He mentioned that hundreds of farmers are being forced to take their own lives, with significant crop losses reported in various regions of the state.

He stated, “Instead of helping farmers in distress, government officials are busy taking photos in drought-stricken fields. Today, farmers need confidence and support, not photo opportunities.”

The minister also highlighted that banks have begun sending notices to farmers with outstanding loans. He questioned what measures the state government is taking to address this crisis.

Kumaraswamy emphasized, “The greatest tragedy is that while farmers are suffering immensely, Karnataka does not even have an agriculture minister.”

He further accused the Congress leadership of prioritizing discussions about cabinet expansion over governance. Kumaraswamy urged the government to focus on providing immediate relief to farmers affected by the drought.

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