Skip funerals of farmers who die by suicide: Shinde Sena MLA's controversial advice

Sanjay Gaikwad said people should avoid the last rites of farmers who die by suicide. The remark triggered controversy while he urged distressed farmers to seek help from elected representatives.Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad.

Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) MLA Sanjay Gaikwad has sparked a controversy with his remarks on farmers who die by suicide, saying that people should not attend their last rites so that others realise the consequences of taking their own lives.The MLA from Buldhana in Maharashtra made the remarks while responding to a question about Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi chief Prakash Ambedkar's recent comment describing farmers as “useless”.Gaikwad said farmers facing difficulties should approach their local MLAs, MPs or the government to seek help instead of dying by suicide. He also said farmers should consider the hardships their families would face after their deaths.'NOBODY SHOULD ATTEND THEIR LAST RITES'In his remarks, Gaikwad said he believed that refusing to attend the last rites of farmers who die by suicide could discourage others from taking the extreme step. “I would say that nobody should even attend the last rites of a farmer who dies by suicide.

Only then will they understand what happens when an animal eats their body. After that, no farmer will die by suicide,” he said.He further argued that farmers who take their own lives leave their children and spouses to face severe difficulties. “I have heard his speech.

Sometimes, people speak out of anger. Why do you die?

Why do you die by suicide? If you have a problem, write to the government, your MLA or MP.

Inform them about your difficulties. Everyone will come together to help you,” Gaikwad said.He added that by dying by suicide, farmers were effectively punishing their children.

Referring to marriage vows, he said couples promise to remain together for seven lifetimes, but suicide cuts that commitment short.GAIKWAD HAS FACED CONTROVERSIES OVER REMARKSGaikwad belongs to the Shiv Sena faction led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and represents the Buldhana Assembly constituency.The MLA has previously attracted controversy over his public statements, drawing criticism for remarks that have put his party in a difficult position.- EndsWith inputs from Abhijeet