Nobody should attend funerals of farmers who take their own lives: MLA Sanjay Gaikwad

Sanjay Gaikwad made these comments on farmer suicides at a press conference in Buldhana on October 27. | Photo Credit: PTI Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad has said that people should not attend the funerals of farmers who die by suicide, urging crop growers to support their families and not abandon them.“If nobody attended a farmer’s funeral and animals fed on the body, it might make others contemplating suicide realise the consequences and deter them from taking their own lives,” said the Buldhana MLA.Mr. Gaikwad made the comments at a press conference in Buldhana on Tuesday (October 27, 2026), when he was asked about a recent statement by a politician who apparently inadvertently used an expletive while talking about farmer suicides.“If you (farmers) have a problem, write to the government, your MLA or your MP. Otherwise, let me know about your difficulties, and everyone will help you. But by taking your own life and leaving your children helpless, you are, in a way, punishing them,” he said.“You take the seven sacred rounds with your wife, vow to stand by her for seven lifetimes and promise to look after your children. Yet, if you end your life halfway through, what happens to those promises?” he asked.The Shiv Sena legislator said he had always said in his speeches that if someone died by suicide, no one should attend that person’s funeral.“Only when people realise that their bodies may be eaten by animals and understand what happens to their remains will they stop committing suicide,” said Mr. Gaikwad, who is not new to controversies.In 2024, he flaunted a tiger tooth worn around his neck and claimed that he had hunted the big cat in 1987. Last year, Mr. Gaikwad had slapped a canteen staff member allegedly for offering stale food at the MLA hostel in Mumbai.Those in distress or having suicidal tendencies could seek help and counselling by calling any of the numbers here. Published - October 29, 2026 04:29 pm IST