767 Farmers Died by Suicide in Maharashtra; Modi Criticized for PR Focus | NewsViewer.in
Mumbai : In a shocking revelation during the ongoing legislative session, it was disclosed that 767 farmers died by suicide in Maharashtra between January and March 2025. This alarming figure has sparked widespread outrage and political tension, with the opposition accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of ignoring the agrarian crisis and focusing instead on public relations and image-building.
Disturbing Numbers from Vidarbha Region
The Vidarbha region—comprising Amravati, Yavatmal, Akola, Washim and Buldhana—accounted for nearly 257 out of the 767 suicides. The data was presented by the Maharashtra Rehabilitiation Ministry in response to a question raised in the legislative council.
Only 373 Families Eligible for Compensation
Out of the 767 total cases, only 373 cases were deemed eligible for financial assistance. While ₹1 lakh compensation was disbursed to these families, 200 cases were rejected and 194 are still under review, drawing criticism from both farmers’ unions and activists for being overly bureaucratic and unjust.
Opposition Accuses Modi of PR Obsession
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi slammed the central government, stating: “While 767 farmers took their lives, Modi ji is busy managing his PR. The system is killing farmers, not supporting them.”
He further pointed to the lack of a legally guaranteed Minimum Support Price (MSP) and the continued agrarian debt as the core causes behind farmer suicides.
BJP Hits Back with Past Data
The BJP responded by highlighting that during the Congress-NCP rule in Maharashtra, over 55,000 farmer suicides were reported. Party spokespersons argued that current government schemes such as PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi, crop insurance, and loan waivers have reduced the suicide rate, although recent data contradicts that claim.
Experts Call for Long-Term Reforms
Agriculture experts and economists argue that superficial compensation is not a sustainable solution. Key suggestions include:
- Implementing legally guaranteed MSP
- Ensuring timely crop insurance payments
- Improving mental health support in rural areas
- Expanding irrigation and storage infrastructure
The Real Picture Behind Numbers
In 2024, over 2,635 farmer suicides were reported in Maharashtra. With 767 cases in just the first quarter of 2025, the trend suggests worsening ground realities despite government claims of improvement.
What Needs Immediate Attention?
While compensation helps temporarily, the deeper issues of agricultural pricing, debt, climate unpredictability, and lack of systemic support require immediate political will and long-term strategy.
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