NEW DELHI -- Reports that Gopal Shetty described farmer suicides as the "fashion" has unleashed a volley of criticism against the Bharatiya Janata Party lawmaker from Maharashtra.
But a careful hearing of his remarks revealed that Shetty did link politics and farmer suicides, which is deeply insensitive and in bad taste, but he did not describe these deaths as being in vogue.
Instead, he described the one-upmanship by state governments in providing compensation as the "fashion" or "trend."
"I don't want to get into politics. All suicides are not the consequence of unemployment or starvation," Shetty said.
"A fashion, a trend is going on. If the Maharashtra government is giving five lakhs then the neighboring government is giving seven lakhs, someone else is giving eight lakhs. A competition is on for giving compensation to farmers."
Maharashtra recorded the highest number of suicides in 2015 largely due to crop failure, extreme weather conditions, and the inability to pay loans, The Hindu reported.
Since January, this year, 124 farmers have committed suicide in Maharashtra.
![]()
Like Us On Facebook |
![]()
Follow Us On Twitter |
![]()
Contact HuffPost India
But a careful hearing of his remarks revealed that Shetty did link politics and farmer suicides, which is deeply insensitive and in bad taste, but he did not describe these deaths as being in vogue.
Instead, he described the one-upmanship by state governments in providing compensation as the "fashion" or "trend."
"I don't want to get into politics. All suicides are not the consequence of unemployment or starvation," Shetty said.
"A fashion, a trend is going on. If the Maharashtra government is giving five lakhs then the neighboring government is giving seven lakhs, someone else is giving eight lakhs. A competition is on for giving compensation to farmers."
Maharashtra recorded the highest number of suicides in 2015 largely due to crop failure, extreme weather conditions, and the inability to pay loans, The Hindu reported.
Since January, this year, 124 farmers have committed suicide in Maharashtra.
Like Us On Facebook | 
Follow Us On Twitter | 
Contact HuffPost India