- MLA Sanjay Gaikwad regretted controversial farmer suicide remarks.
- Claimed misinterpretation, apologized to farmers and party.
- Faces potential suspension amid history of controversies.
Maharashtra: Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad is facing potential suspension over his controversial remarks on farmers' suicide. The MLA on Friday expressed regret, claiming his remarks were misinterpreted and that he never intended to hurt anyone's sentiments.
What The Shiv Sena MLA Said
The controversy erupted following a press conference in Buldhana on Tuesday, where Gaikwad suggested that people should not attend the funerals of farmers who die by suicide.
"Only when people realise that their bodies may be eaten by animals and understand what happens to their remains will they stop committing suicide," the MLA from the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena had stated.
The remarks drew sharp condemnation from political leaders and social media users. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde expressed deep anger over the remarks, with party leadership noting that such comments severely damage Shiv Sena's ongoing outreach to Maharashtra's agricultural community, NDTV reported.
MLA Clarifies Stance, Cites Personal Connection To Farming
Speaking to news agency PTI on Friday, Gaikwad claimed that he had not, in fact, mentioned farmers.
"My statement was about those who take drugs, ruin their households, and commit suicide... It was misinterpreted and created a controversy. Still, if farmers across Maharashtra and my senior leaders have been hurt, I humbly express my regret," Gaikwad said.
#WATCH | Buldhana, Maharashtra | Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad says, "I have not made any controversial statement against farmers. You can review my recorded statement repeatedly; I was referring to a suicide that occurred in my own family... I have deep empathy for farmers; I have been working for the welfare of farmers in Maharashtra... It is impossible for me to harbour any negative sentiment toward farmers. However, because my words were distorted, which caused hurt to farmers across Maharashtra, as well as to members of my own party, I offer my sincere apologies."
— ANI (@ANI) October 30, 2026
"I come from a farmer's family and could never speak ill of farmers," he said, adding that a member of his family had recently died by suicide.
Recommended For You
Suspension On The Cards?
When asked about reports suggesting that Shinde had proposed his suspension from the Shiv Sena, Gaikwad said, "No comments."
MLA Gaikwad's Long History Of Controversies
The incident is the latest in a long history of controversies surrounding the MLA.
- February 2024: Triggered a forest department probe after wearing a tiger tooth pendant and claiming he hunted the animal in 1987.
- March 2024: Seen in a video hitting a young man with a police baton during a procession.
- September 2024: Faced heat after offering an Rs 11 lakh reward to anyone who cut off Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi's tongue.
- January 2025: Shortly after securing his assembly seat by a slim margin, he sparked widespread outrage by accusing voters of trading their ballots for cash, meat, and alcohol.
- April 2025: Labelled the Maharashtra police force as the most corrupt and incompetent in the world.
- July 2025: Physically assaulted a canteen worker at the Mumbai MLA hostel over food quality.
- April 2026: Accused of threatening a publisher regarding the title of Govind Pansare's book on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
(With Inputs From PTI)
Disclaimer: If you or anyone you know needs help, please reach out to one of these helpline numbers: 022-27546669 (Aasra, Mumbai), +91 44 2464 0050 (Sneha, Chennai), 011-23389090, (Sumaitri, Delhi), 040-66202000 (Roshni, Hyderabad), +91 11 41198666 (Sangath Tele-Counselling), 1800-599-0019 (Kiran), +918422984528, +91 8422984529 and +91 8422984530 (Samaritans), +91 8448440632 (Manodarpan), 14416 and 1800-891-4416 (Tele-MANAS)