MUMBAI: Shiv Sena MLA from Buldhana, Sanjay Gaikwad, stirred another controversy on Wednesday, lashing out at farmers in Maharashtra who die by suicide.
Addressing the media, Gaikwad said no one should attend the funerals of farmers who die by suicide so that their souls don’t find peace.
“It is only when animals eat their bodies that they will learn a lesson and stop taking their own lives,” the Sena MLA said.
Crop losses and financial distress have, over the years, led many to die by suicide. If you have a problem, write to the government or MLA or MP. They can help.’’ He didn’t stop there. “Farmers like these leave their children and wives at the mercy of others. They take seven pheras during marriage and pledge to take care of their families. ‘If they realise the consequences of their actions, they will not committ suicide. Shiv Sena spokesperson Sanjay Nirupam was restrained in his response to Gaikwad’s controversial remarks. “Public representatives and politicians must be sensitive to farmers. I want to ask those who gave him a ticket whether they regret it now. I also want to ask voters why they elected him. Gaikwad’s reputation is well known in the state. I believe Gaikwad’s controversial statements were made to divert attention from the large-scale cutting of trees in Karjat for Torrent Power.
Among his outrageous comments was the one he made in 2021, while a part of the MVA government. A few months earlier, in March 2024, a video was circulated of Gaikwad thrashing a youth with a police lathi. Eknath Shinde must apologise to the people impacted.’’ HT had reported on Monday that over eight farmers died by suicide every day in Maharashtra between January 2022 and June 2026, according to official data released under the Right to Information (RTI) Act.
Farmer suicides are back in the news due to crop failures brought about by widespread drought in Maharashtra due to a particularly deficient monsoon.
If they end their lives like this, people must not attend their funerals,” Gaikwad said. He had said the Covid virus should be “shoved down (Devendra) Fadnavis’s throat”. In September 2024, he offered a cash reward to anyone who would “slash the tongue” of leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi. Maharashtra is under drought,’ he said. Ajit Navale of the Kisan Sabha said, “Maharashtra will not progress as long as we elect people like Gaikwad. I condemn his remarks.’’ Farmer Leader Raju Shetti of the Swabhimani Paksha said, ‘This is a classic example of how people behave when they don’t have any standards.
Most recently, in July last year, Gaikwad punched an employee in the Akashwani MLA hostel canteen for serving poor food. And, yet, on Wednesday, Gaikwad remarked, “Why are you committing suicide?
