Madhya Pradesh Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Gopal Bhargava sparked off a controversy with his insensitive remarks on farmer deaths in the state. The minister said on Friday that nobody has control over death and that even MLAs don't live for ever.
"Even MLAs die. Businessmen die when they face losses, students die when they fail in their exams. Ten MLAs have died in the past four years; can death be controlled? Are MLAs immortal?" asked Bhargava.
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He, however, said he has "complete sympathy" for farmers, who have lost their lives, and for those still struggling with debt and poor crop yields.
Madhya Pradesh recently witnessed a farmers' stir over loan waivers, farm produce prices and other demands.
Unseasonal rains and hailstorms in the state also damaged crops this year. At least 984, villages were affected by them.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said the farmers will be compensated.