NEW DELHI: Karnataka agriculture minister BC Patil on Thursday stoked controversy, saying “farmers who commit suicide are cowards”, drawing sharp reactions from Congress, JD(S) and farmers’ groups.
Addressing bamboo growers at in Kodagu district, the minister said: “Only a coward who can’t take care of his wife and children commits suicide. Some cowards do not realise how profitable the agriculture business is and they commit suicide.” Farmers’ organisations and Congress demanded a public apology from the minister.