TN farmers protest outside PM House with skulls of workmates, nobody cares

By:- Zohheb Farooqui

New Delhi: Mr Prime Minister, you talk about ‘development’ and you talk about ‘digitalisation’. We have often heard you saying, “Main kaam karte samay Sawa Sau Crore Deshwasiyon Ko Dimagh Me Rakhta Hu(I keep in mind 1.25 billion Indians while working).” Much to your delight, most of us even believe whatever you say. Probably, this is the only reason that we have been casting our votes in your favour. While bringing your Bhartiya Janata Party to rule, we only expected justice and development in return.

The power of our votes have made your party (BJP) so unprecedentedly strong that now it rules 14 states having 58 per cent population and 52 per cent gross domestic product (GDP) across the nation.

But now, the question is ‘don’t you think these Tamil Nadu farmers, who have been protesting at many places across the national capital for the last three days, are among those 1.25 billion Indians you remain concerned about?’ If yes, then why is nobody from your government ready to lend them an ear?

It may be mentioned here that around 170 farmers from Tamil Nadu, carrying skulls of their co-workers who have ended it all, have been staging a protest in New Delhi. If figures are to be believed, as many as 400 famers have committed suicide so far.

Moreover, the protesters want the Centre to announce a loan waiver and drought relief package for peasants of the state. They say that many of their mates have already turned into skulls (they are carrying) and they don’t want the same to happen with them. “We have no option but to protest till our demands are satisfied,” say the poor farmers. Apparently, working for their relief seems a hard row to hoe for the central government, indeed!

“We began protesting on Tuesday last, but nobody is ready to listen to us. We have decided not to give up until the Centre invites us to talk,” said Aiyyakanu, a member of Desiya Thenninthiya Nathigal Inaippu Vivasaayigal Sangam (National Association of Farmers for Linking Southern Rivers).

The half-naked farmers including women on Wednesday last arrived outside the Premier’s residence at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg with begging bowls in their hands, seeking the government’s help.

On the behalf of 1.25 billion Indians, I request Mr. Narendra Modi to stand the test of time and do what he has been committing. Before talking about any digital India, he must talk about and do something for the countrymen who still struggle for their daily bread. Please lend an ear as well as a shoulder to these farmers who seek nothing more than a better and harmonious life.