August 31: Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs and Agriculture SS Ahluwalia today ruled out demand for separate states in Tripura and West Bengal as well as blamed private lending for farmers suicide.
SS Ahluwalia arrive at Agartala today to inaugurate a five exhibition as part of ‘Sankalp Se Siddhi’ – a Central Government’s initiative. He also attended a mass rally and held meetings with State BJP leaders.
Ahluwalia refuted the allegation that Modi-led Government Policies were responsible for farmers suicide in parts of the country. He said, farmers take loans from private money lenders. As the farmers fail to pay back the loans, farmers come under pressure and commit suicide, he argued.
Talking about Tipraland – a demand raised by tribal based Party IPFT – Ahluwalia rejected the demand. Ahluwalia’s rejection came with 72 hours after Central Minister Oram’s refusal to entertain demand for separate State in Tripura. Ahluwalia said, “The demand is not practical. Tripura is a small State and there no question of forming a separate State. However Centre is in favour of empowering tribal council”. He also ruled out possibility of formation of separate Gorkhland in West Bengal.
Speaking to media, Ahluwalia criticized the Left Front Government in Tripura for failing to utilize Central funds and implement projects properly for the benefit of the people.
