Kattappana: Reports of farmer suicides in Idukki district in Kerala are frequent of late with the toll reaching eight in the last couple of months. However, it seems Kerala Minister AK Balan is unaware of tragic stories reported from the district which was ravaged by landslides and floods last year. The minister conveyed his ignorance while replying to a question on government’s reaction to the recent spurt in farmer suicides.

“Increasing number of farmer suicides has not come to notice,” Balan said, adding that the government cannot be blamed for farmer suicides.

“They are not a result of government policies. Thousands of projects are being executed as part of the government’s 1000-day celebrations. Its efforts since the floods have been fruitful. Unsubstantiated allegations are being hurled at it,” Balan commented.

Balan is the Minister for Welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Backward Classes, Law, Culture and Parliamentary Affairs in the LDF government headed by Pinarayi Vijayan.

Minister should apologise: Youth Congress chief

Meanwhile, Youth Congress president Dean Kuriakose said Balan must retract his statement and apologise. The government is disinterested in farmers' plight because of the ineptitude of local MLA MM Mani. He should resign, Dean said.

A 48-hour hunger strike led by Dean at Kattappana Gandhi Square will end Friday. PT Thomas MLA will speak at the event.

The strike was organised to raise a call to save farmers. The KSU, Youth Congress and Kerala Congress also held agitations here Thursday.