Prakash Ambedkar calls farmers "good for nothing", says suicidal farmers should "kill 10-12 leaders" first

A statement by Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi chief Prakash Ambedkar has stirred political circles. Speaking to the media in Buldhana, he made a controversial remark on farmer suicides. The question of drought conditions and farmer suicides in the state is already in the public debate.

Ambedkar targeted the government and the political system on several issues. He spoke on subjects ranging from the way farmers vote to the spending in the Amravati teachers' constituency election. Some of his statements have set off political discussion.

Ambedkar expressed regret that farmers do not vote even for leaders who fight honestly for them. He mentioned Ravikant Tupkar, who is fighting on farmers' issues in Buldhana, and criticised the way people voted in the election. He said, "The farmer himself is good for nothing, they do not vote for the one who fights for them."

Speaking on farmer suicides, he made an even more controversial remark. He also questioned the way leaders visit the families of farmers who have died by suicide. According to Ambedkar, no leader should go to meet the family of those who take their own lives. He said, "If you have to die, kill 10-12 leaders and then die." Political and social reactions to the statement are likely.

Referring to the drought, Ambedkar attacked the government over arrangements for foodgrain, drinking water and fodder for livestock. He alleged that the likely impact of El Nino was known in advance, yet full preparations were not made.

He appealed to drought-affected people to demand answers from ministers, MLAs and MPs if they do not get the help they need. Ambedkar also said that both environmental damage and the shortage of rain need to be taken seriously.

Speaking on the Amravati teachers' constituency election, Ambedkar alleged that candidates spent money for votes. He claimed that Rs 5,000 was spent on every vote. He asked where this money had come from.

Farmers' distress, government relief arrangements and the alleged use of money in elections have come into focus once again. Attention now turns to how the political leaders concerned and the administration respond to Ambedkar's statement, and whether any official inquiry into election spending follows.