Kejriwal apologizes for farmers death, says continuing the rally was a mistake

For the first time since farmer Gajendra Singh committed suicide during the Aam Aadmi Party’s Kisaan Rally, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal spoke to the media about the incident, accepting that continuing the rally amidst such a horrific incident was a mistake. Speaking to news agency ANI in New Delhi, Kejriwal confessed that he should have called off the rally, and not doing so was a mistake.

“Two days ago, during the Aam Aadmi Party’s ‘Kisan Rally’ at Jantar Mantar, a farmer committed suicide. It was a very painful event and personally for me it was more painful as I have not experienced anything like this ever before in my life. When his body was brought down, we got to know he was still alive and he was rushed to the hospital by Aam Aadmi Party volunteers. After that I started to give my speech and said ‘I don’t feel like talking’,” Kejriwal told ANI.

He further said that he was supposed to speak for an hour but somehow wrapped it up in 15-20 minutes. “I think, yes, this was my mistake. Maybe I should not have spoken at that time. But, I could not make it out at that time. I apologise if anyone’s sentiments have been hurt by it,” he said.

After having acknowledged his mistake, Kejriwal further pointed that whatever is going on since the farmer’s death is not appropriate and that it won’t solve the issue of farmers. He said that both, Delhi Police as well as the District Magistrate are conducting their respective investigation, while urging to bring back focus on the issue of farmers suicide.

Following Kejriwal’s regret over the incident, Gajendra Singh’s family, on Friday, appealed the Delhi CM to look into the matter personally.

“I came to know just now that Arvind Kejriwal has expressed his regret over the incident. I would like to tell Arvind Kejriwal that he should keep politics aside and help the ongoing investigation into this matter as a human being,” said Gajendra Singh’s brother Vijendra.

Gajendra Singh, 34, a farmer from Dhausa in Rajasthan had committed suicide during the AAP rally in the capital as he had no money to support his family. Though he was rushed to the hospital immediately afterwards, he had breathed his last till then. He is survived by his aged father, wife and three children.

• About the Author

About Suyash Karangutkar

Suyash Karangutkar is a young, dedicated and an enthusiastic journalist who has a deep interest in National and International Affairs. He is an ardent political spectator who finds politics fascinating. At Spectralhues, he heads the Mumbai team and covers National Affairs & Politics. He also occasionally writes columns for Spectralhues. He can be followed on Twitter @columnistsuyash