Farmer's suicide: Rajasthan MP demands criminal case against Congress

Nagaur MP Hanuman Beniwal, a farmer leader, on Monday, demanded that a criminal case should be registered against the Congress for making fake promises of loan waivers in their manifesto due to which farmers are committing suicide in Rajasthan.

He also demanded booking the entire Congress committee which drafted the party manifesto announcing a complete farm waiver for farmers on charges of duping innocent farmers of the state.

Beniwal was speaking to in the context of a suicide by a farmer reported on Sunday. Sohan Lal Meghwal, 45, reportedly took the extreme step after leaving a farewell video and a suicide note accusing Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot of going back on their promises made to the farmers.

"They promised a complete loan waiver to farmers within 10 days of forming their government. What has happened to their promise when the government is in power?" the farmer questioned in his note.

The farmer also "apologised" to his family members in the video, saying he hoped his death will unite the village. He also requested his fellow farmers not to conduct his last rites till they get free of their debts.

Beniwal, speaking to , said on May 21, another farmer Surajaram committed suicide in Hanumangarh in collectorate premises as he was heavily in debt. He too made endless wait to get the waiver as promised, but failed to get any relief. He hanged himself when bank officials threatened to get his land auctioned.

"Congress is responsible for these suicides. They cheated and duped these innocent farmers by making fake promises in their manifesto," said Hanuman Beniwal, MP.

"I strongly demand that any party that fails to implement promises made in their manifesto should be sent to jail. They should be booked for their criminal act of befooling innocent people by making fake promises," he said.

The BJP formed an alliance with the RLP floated by Beniwal before Assembly elections in Rajasthan. The RLP was given a status of regional party in Rajasthan recently by Election Commission. The RLP has two MLAs in the Assembly.

Beniwal has resigned as MLA after winning the Lok Sabha election.

( With inputs from IANS )