Over 32,000 Suicide Deaths in Two Years in Madhya Pradesh, Government Tells Assembly
Bhopal— More than 32,000 people across age groups have died by suicide in Madhya Pradesh over the past two years, the state government disclosed in a written reply during the ongoing Budget Session of the Assembly.
According to the data presented on the fourth day of proceedings, 32,385 people ended their lives between December 13, 2023, and January 20, 2026, during the tenure of the current Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government in the state.
The figures revealed that students accounted for the highest number of suicides among specific categories. A total of 987 students died by suicide during the period.
The data also highlighted distress in the agriculture sector. As many as 667 agricultural workers and 562 registered farmers died by suicide over the same timeframe. Combined, 1,229 individuals directly or indirectly linked to farming took their own lives — a concerning figure in a state where a significant portion of the population depends on agriculture for livelihood.
The information was provided in response to a query by Congress MLA Rajan Mandloi from Barwani. Mandloi also sought details on suicides attributed specifically to crop damage. In its reply, the government stated that only two farmers had died by suicide due to crop loss in the past two years.
When asked whether financial assistance had been provided to families of farmers, agricultural workers, and students who died by suicide, the government’s response indicated that no deaths had occurred due to suicides in the state — a statement that drew attention given the broader data shared.
Political Tensions in Assembly
The Budget Session, which began on February 16 and is scheduled to conclude on March 6, witnessed disruptions on Thursday as Congress legislators demanded a discussion on a separate issue — a drinking water contamination tragedy in Indore’s Bhagirathpura area that reportedly claimed several lives.
Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar pressed for a formal debate on the matter. However, Assembly Speaker Narendra Singh Tomar declined permission, stating that the issue was sub judice and that discussion in the House could amount to contempt of court.
Opposition members raised slogans, accusing the BJP government of shielding officials and public representatives. The Congress also reiterated its demand for the resignation of State Urban Affairs Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya.
State Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Prahlad Singh Patel backed the Speaker’s decision and suggested the matter could instead be discussed in a separate meeting with the concerned minister.
The suicide data disclosure added to the charged atmosphere of the Assembly session, bringing renewed focus to mental health, student pressures, and agrarian distress in the state. (Source: IANS)
