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Politics
MLA Sanjay Gaikwad: No one should attend farmer suicides' funerals
✍️ The Hindu
🗓 29 Oct 2026, 04:44 PM
👁 2
Maharashtra MLA Sanjay Gaikwad has suggested that the absence of mourners at farmers' funerals could deter others from taking their own lives by highlighting the severe social consequences.
Maharashtra MLA Sanjay Gaikwad has made a controversial statement regarding the rising issue of farmer suicides. He suggested that no one should attend the funerals of farmers who take their own lives.
Gaikwad argued that if a farmer’s funeral is attended by no one and their body is left to be fed upon by animals, it might serve as a stark deterrent. He believes that witnessing such a lonely and undignified end could make others contemplating suicide realize the severe social consequences of their actions.
The remark has sparked debate over the ethical approach to handling the mental health crisis among the farming community. Critics may view this suggestion as insensitive, while the MLA framed it as a necessary measure to break the cycle of despair.
This statement adds to the ongoing national conversation about the economic pressures and psychological support needed for Indian farmers.
Gaikwad argued that if a farmer’s funeral is attended by no one and their body is left to be fed upon by animals, it might serve as a stark deterrent. He believes that witnessing such a lonely and undignified end could make others contemplating suicide realize the severe social consequences of their actions.
The remark has sparked debate over the ethical approach to handling the mental health crisis among the farming community. Critics may view this suggestion as insensitive, while the MLA framed it as a necessary measure to break the cycle of despair.
This statement adds to the ongoing national conversation about the economic pressures and psychological support needed for Indian farmers.