Controversy Surrounds Maharashtra's Farmer Suicide Statistics

The Maharashtra agriculture minister, Manikrao Kokate, has raised doubts about the figures of farmer suicides shared by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Kokate insists he will need to verify the statistics, as they differ from those recorded by government sources.

Rahul Gandhi has accused the Modi government of ignoring the dire straits of farmers in Maharashtra, who are increasingly drowning in debt. In his social media post, Gandhi highlighted the unmet calls for a loan waiver and an MSP guarantee, citing alarming suicide figures.

Kokate, while distancing himself from central government issues, emphasized his willingness to address farmers' concerns in a state-focused approach. Meanwhile, BJP MLA Babanrao Lonikar faced criticism for a separate incident, to which he has since apologized.

(With inputs from agencies.)