Daijiworld Media Network - Bhopal

Bhopal, Feb 20: A startling disclosure in the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly has revealed that 32,385 individuals across various age groups died by suicide in Madhya Pradesh over the past two years.

The figures, shared in a written reply on the fourth day of the state’s Budget Session, indicate that young people — particularly students — account for the largest share of these deaths. According to the data, 987 students died by suicide between December 13, 2023, and January 20, 2026, during the tenure of the current Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government.

The agricultural community also reflects significant distress. During the same period, 667 agricultural labourers and 562 registered farmers died by suicide. In total, 1,229 individuals connected directly or indirectly to farming lost their lives — a deeply concerning statistic in a state where nearly 70 percent of the population depends on agriculture and related rural sectors.

The information was provided in response to a query raised by Congress MLA Rajan Mandloi from the Barwani constituency. The government stated that only two farmers had died by suicide due to crop damage in the last two years under the current administration.

Mandloi also sought details on whether financial assistance had been extended to the families of deceased farmers, agricultural workers, and students. In its reply, the government said that no deaths had been officially recorded as being caused specifically by crop loss-related distress during the period in question.

The Budget Session of the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly began on February 16 and is scheduled to continue until March 6.

Meanwhile, proceedings on Thursday were disrupted by Congress legislators demanding a discussion on the drinking water contamination incident in Indore’s Bhagirathpura area, which reportedly resulted in multiple fatalities. Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar pressed for a debate on the matter.

However, Assembly speaker Narendra Singh Tomar declined permission, stating that since the issue is sub judice, debating it in the House could risk contempt of court.

Opposition members responded with sloganeering, accusing the BJP-led government of protecting officials and elected representatives. The Congress also renewed its demand for the resignation of State Urban Affairs Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya.

Supporting the speaker’s ruling, State Panchayat and Rural Development minister Prahlad Singh Patel suggested that the issue could instead be discussed in a separate meeting with the concerned minister rather than on the Assembly floor.