Leader of Opposition in Maharashtra Legislative Council Dhananjay Munde today demanded that culpable homicide charge be slapped against those responsible for the deaths of farmers due to pesticide poisoning.
"This is a planned murder of farmers. Not only the pesticide companies and its sellers but even the officials from the agriculture department supporting them (companies) are responsible," Munde said in a release issued here.
Munde was in Yavatmal district today where the deaths have occurred. He met families of those who have died and also met those farmers recuperating in hospitals.
Munde said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who hails from Vidarbha region, neither visited Yavatmal nor condoled the bereaved families.
He further questioned if the Chief Minister has no time for farmers.
"The government should immediately declare Rs 10 lakh compensation for families of those who have died and Rs 2 lakh for farmers admitted to hospitals due to pesticide poisoning," Munde demanded.
The NCP leader further said that deaths due to inhalation of poisonous pesticides is not limited to Yavatmal but occurring in Buldhana, Akola and other districts as well.
"Immediate steps should be taken to stop the deaths," he said.
Munde said that the NCP has provided an assistance of Rs 10,000 to the families of the deceased and the party has taken up the responsibility to treat those suffering from severe eye infections, in Mumbai.
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