Shinde orders suspension of MLA Sanjay Gaikwad over remarks on farmer suicides, say sources

Buldhana MLA Sanjay Gaikwad is in trouble over a controversial statement on farmer suicides. He is a legislator of the Shinde faction. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde are both reported to be deeply angry over his remarks, and action against him is now being spoken of.

According to sources, Shinde has ordered that Gaikwad be suspended from the Shiv Sena. Shinde has given a clear warning that farmers are the food providers and no insulting remark against them will be tolerated.

What exactly did Gaikwad say? Speaking on farmer suicides, he had said: "A farmer commits suicide leaving his family helpless. If he has any difficulty, he should send a letter to MLAs and MPs, and all of us together will help him. I always say in my speeches that farmers commit suicide without giving any thought to it. If any farmer takes his life, nobody should go to his funeral either. If nobody goes, they will realise that animals will eat our bodies, and then he will not take his life."

As soon as the statement came out, Gaikwad faced criticism from all sides. Strong anger over it has also been expressed in political circles.

As the controversy grew, Gaikwad offered an explanation. He claims the remark was not about farmers at all but about young men who have fallen into addiction. The explanation, however, has not reduced the anger.

Shinde's Shiv Sena runs several initiatives to help farmers. The party distributes sewing machines to farmer families in drought-affected areas and bicycles to farmers' daughters. The party claims it also sent 100 truckloads of grain to help drought-hit areas. Leaders and workers therefore feel that Gaikwad's statement is damaging the party's image.

All eyes are now on what stand Eknath Shinde takes, and whether the suspension action against Sanjay Gaikwad is actually carried out. Political circles are waiting for this.