At least 32,385 individuals from various age groups have died by suicide in Madhya Pradesh within a span of two years, as per the state government’s statement during the budget session of the state Assembly. Shockingly, the data revealed a high number of suicide cases among students and youths, with 987 student suicides reported between December 13, 2023, and January 20, 2026, under the current BJP-led government.
Following students, individuals working in the agriculture sector faced significant vulnerability, with 667 agricultural workers and 562 registered farmers taking their own lives during the same period. Notably, out of the total suicide cases, 1,229 individuals associated with agriculture, including farmers, were directly or indirectly impacted, a concerning statistic given the heavy reliance of up to 70% of Madhya Pradesh’s population on these sectors.
Responding to an inquiry by Congress MLA Rajan Mandloi, the state government clarified that only two farmers had committed suicide due to crop damage in the last two years under the current government. The budget session of the Madhya Pradesh Assembly, which began on February 16, will conclude on March 6.
On the fourth day of the Assembly proceedings, Congress members disrupted the House, seeking a debate on the drinking water contamination incident in Indore’s Bhagirathpura that resulted in multiple deaths. However, Speaker Narendra Singh Tomar declined permission for the discussion, citing sub-judice status and the risk of contempt of court. The Congress persisted in demanding the resignation of State Urban Affairs Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya, while Minister Prahlad Singh Patel suggested addressing the issue in a separate meeting.
