New Delhi, Jul 27 (UNI) Former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda today went on a hunger strike here, demanding justice for farmers across the country. Mr Gowda, who began his 'dharna' at Jantar Mantar, in the vicinity of the Parliament said his agitation would continue till the issue was addressed in both the Houses of the Parliament. ' I am ashamed to go to Parliament when farmers are dying at an increasing rate in the country and no action is being taken to this effect,' he told UNI. 'The Centre and States should step forward and announce special package to alleviate the ongoing situation,' he said. 'The agitation would gain momentum if the issue is not addressed within a week's time,' he added. Recently, in a written reply, Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh about farmers' suicides had said they were committing suicides due to family problems, love affairs and barrenness/impotency. 'Causes of suicide by farmers due to agrarian reasons inter-alia include indebtedness, crop failure, drought, socio-economic and personal,' the Minister had noted. The Agriculture Minister's statement had evoked a strong reaction from the Opposition. Several leaders of the Janata Parivar including those from RJD, JD(U) and the Samajwadi Party supported Mr Gowda's demands. UNI PR KU AE 1645