Rajasthan farmer commits suicide as Kejriwal holds rally

Politics over suicide as allegations of inaction fly thick and high

GN Staff | April 22, 2015


#famer   #land bill   #arvind kejriwal   #aap   #bjp   #congress   #rahul gandhi   #rajasthan  

Politicians never learn especially Indian politicians about propriety.  A farmer committed suicide during AAP's rally in Delhi against the controversial land acquisition bill and the political parties began their blame game soon after the tragic incident.

The dramatic death of Gajendra Singh has become a political drama, with the Aam Aadmi Party blaming Delhi Police and the BJP and the Congress attacking Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and the AAP.

AAP leaders accused the police of not acting in time. AAP leader also blamed Modi's BJP, saying the controversial land bill and their failure to look after farmers was the reason for the suicide.

And the most damning attitude was displayed by senior AAP leader Ashotosh, who asked, "should the Delhi CM have climbed the tree? Next time will tell the CM to climb the tree."

On the other hand, the BJP and Congress attacked Kejriwal for continuing with the rally even after news of the suicide spread.
Kejriwal said, "We kept asking the police to bring him down. Police may not be in our control but at least there should be a semblance of humanity among them."

Delhi Congress leader Ajay Maken remarked that both the AAP and police should have taken steps to avoid the suicide.
BJP spokesman Sambit Patra asked: "Why didn't the AAP leaders stop the farmer from committing suicide?"

The farmer from Rajasthan committed suicide by hanging himself from a tree in full public view just before Kejriwal was to speak at the AAP rally in Delhi even as appeals from those around to desist from taking the extreme step had fallen on deaf ears.

Gajendra Singh climbed a neem tree in Jantar Mantar, the venue of anti-land bill rally, and put his 'gamcha' (towel) around his neck. He tied the other end to a branch.

In a bid to draw attention to the plight of farmers who have suffered losses in the recent rains, he raised slogans. AAP volunteers appealed to him to come down and some of them even climbed the tree to bring him down.

But before they could reach him, Singh had hung himself. He was rushed to the nearby Ram Manohar Lohia hospital. The  doctors tried to revive him but shortly later declared him "brought dead".

Gajendra Singh, a resident of Nangal Jhamarwada village in Dausa, left a suicide note written in Hindi stating that he has three children and had been disowned by his father after their crops were destroyed in last month's rains and hailstorm. His family members phone numbers were scribbled on the piece of paper.

Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi visited the hospital. He later told the media: "We are with the farmer's family. We will help them."
Rajasthan chief minister Vasundhara Raje termed the farmer's suicide as tragic, saying prompt action could have saved a precious life. "All necessary steps will be taken, including compensation," she added.

“Deeply pained to hear the news of farmer committing suicide at Jantar Mantar. Have instructed Delhi Police Commissioner to institute an inquiry into it,” said home minister Rajnath Singh. Later,  Delhi police commissioner BS Bassi ordered a probe into the Jantar Mantar suicide incident to be headed by a Joint CP.
 

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