Sena MLA Faces Suspension Over Farmer Suicide Remarks

Maharashtra's Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad is under consideration for suspension after making controversial remarks about farmer suicides. Sources indicate the party leadership is upset by his comments, which were made while speaking in Buldhana.

Gaikwad reportedly told attendees that people should not attend funerals of farmers who die by suicide, suggesting that understanding the fate of their remains might deter such actions. His statement has drawn widespread criticism.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde reportedly expressed deep anger over the remarks, stating they harm the party's image during efforts to support the agricultural community. The party is now considering disciplinary measures against Gaikwad.

Gaikwad's controversies extend beyond his recent remarks. In February 2024, he faced a forest department probe after wearing a tiger tooth pendant. A video showing him hitting a young man with a police baton in 2024 also sparked public backlash.

Legal issues have also plagued Gaikwad. In September 2024, he announced a reward of Rs 11 lakh for anyone who would cut Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi's tongue, leading to further scrutiny. His recent remarks on farmer suicides add to a pattern of public and legal controversies.

The MLA's actions have continued to draw criticism throughout 2025, including accusations of threatening a publisher over the title of activist Govind Pansare's book on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and physically assaulting a canteen worker at the Mumbai MLA hostel.