Bhubaneswar:
Expressing concern over the spate of farmers' suicides allegedly due to debt burden, Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) on Wednesday announced to hold 'Chasi Bachho' (save farmer) agitation in all the 314 blocks in the state on November 6.
"The Congress activists will stage Chasi Bachho agitation protesting the state government's lack of concern over the farmer suicide incidents," OPCC president Prasad Harichandan said in Bhubaneswar.
Criticizing the state's BJD government over the spate of farmer suicide incidents, Mr Harichandan demanded Rs 10 lakh compensation for each of the families of farmers who committed suicide due to debt burden following crop failure. "We also demand declaration of entire state as drought affected," the Congress leader said.
"While the drought situation in the State is alarming and farmer suicide spree continues in the State, government is busy enjoying Puja vacation," Mr Harichandan alleged.
Mr Harichandan also informed that the party will hold its second phase 'Jagaran Yatra' (awareness rally) on October 30 and 31. The party has launched its Jagarana Yatra on October 14. During the Jagaran Yatra, Congress highlighted failure of both the Central government and Odisha's BJD government.