Sena MLA’s remarks on farmer suicides prompt controversy

Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad expressed regret over remarks about funerals of people who die by suicide, saying his comments had been misinterpreted. NDTV’s brief report says the party was weighing suspension; the Times of India reports that deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde had proposed it.

• Gaikwad expressed regret after remarks urging people not to attend funerals of farmers who die by suicide.· 1 source
• He said his remarks referred to people who use drugs and die by suicide, not farmers, and said they had been misinterpreted.· 1 source
• The Times of India reports Shinde proposed Gaikwad’s suspension; NDTV says the party was weighing suspension.· 2 sources