Live: Kejriwal speaks to Gajendra Singh's family, AAP offers Rs 10 lakh compensation

Shared our grief with Gajendra’s family: Sanjay Singh

Speaking to the media after meeting the family of Gajendra Singh, AAP leader Sanjay Singh said he shared the grief of the family and will put forth their requests to Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal.

“Since he died for farmers’ cause, we will talk to CM Kejriwal about granting him the status of ‘Kissan Shaheed’. We will also consider giving a member of their family a government job when they are eligible,” Sanjay Singh said.

AAP leader Sanjay Singh arrives at Gajendra’s house

AAP leader Sanjay Singh, along with a delegation of party leaders, is currently meeting with farmer Gajendra Singh’s family in Dausa. The party, including its chief and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal have been accused of being insensitive to Gajendra’s suicide. 

The Delhi Police has accused the party of instigating the suicide by cheering Gajendra while he was climbing the tree. On Friday, party leader Ashutosh was seen crying on national television when he was speaking to Gajendra’s daughter who was visibly unimpressed.

Only judicial magistrate has jurisdiction over matter, Delhi Police tells DM over Gajendra Singh’s death

Even as the Delhi Police and the District Magistrate fought over the jurisdiction of the death of farmer Gajendra Singh, now the police have finally replied to the DM. 

According to NDTV reports, the Delhi Police have told the DM, “Only judicial magistrate has jurisdiction over the matter.”

#AshuCries becomes the top trend on Twitter

I'm no one to judge if AAP is a culprit or not, if his tears are real or not, but AAP's credibility has been dented cuz of this.#AshuCries

— Niks (@Freakoh) April 24, 2015

If #AshuCries, why mock him people !! I don't agree to this. Can be his real emotions as well..

— Nimesh Tripathi (@tnimesh12) April 24, 2015

Contrast grace and calm of Gajendra's daughter under tragic circumstances with #AshuCries on national television! Who deserves your respect?

— Naviator (@Navi_ator) April 24, 2015

This is what happens when a script writer is asked to do acting over his own script #AshuCries #AAPKilledFarmer pic.twitter.com/t3r2Y6ALYh

— अmiत 🇮🇳🚩 (@cool_only) April 24, 2015

If Ashutosh had taken two minutes out of the rally, Gajendra could’ve been saved: Farmer’s brother reacts to Ashutosh bursting into tears

Gajendra Singh’s brother Devendra reacted to AAP leader Ashutosh crying on live TV and said if Ashutosh had taken two minutes out of the rally, Gajendra Singh could have been saved.

“I want to ask Ashutoshji now that he is expressing his sentiments: Wasn’t he present in the rally that day?” Devendra said. “If he (Ashutosh) had taken out time of 2 minutes that day, this wouldn’t have happened.”

Gajendra did not write ‘suicide note’, says farmer’s family

Gajendra Singh’s family has now alleged that the deceased farmer did not write the ‘suicide note’ which was recovered from the farmer’s body because the handwriting on the note did not match the handwriting of Gajendra Singh, according to Times Now.

Delhi police not in a row with anyone else, says BS Bassi

Delhi Police Commissioner BS Bassi said that the police is an instrumentality of law and said that the police could not have a conflict with any other body striving to preserve law.

“We will do everything while following the law. Police is an instrumentality of law. Police has to assure that its actions are legal within the domain of law,” Bass said. “Since the police is an instrumentality of law, we cannot have a conflict with any other body preserving law,” he said.

“We will do whatever is required in the investigation. We will inform the media about developments in the case at approporiate times,” he said, adding that the probe will done according to an action plan.

As a weeping Ashutosh urged political leaders to stop indulging in dirty politics, BJP’s Sambit Patra said, “Don’t cry, Ashutosh. One should not get carried away by emotions. A politician should rise above his emotions.”

As Ashutosh was crying on live TV, BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra said, “I am very sad Ashutosh is crying.”

AAP’s Ashutosh breaks into tears on live TV while talking to Gajendra’s daughter

AAP leader Ashutosh broke into tears while talking to deceased farmer Gajendra Singh’s daughter Megha on a TV panel discussion which was shown on Headlines Today.

“I couldn’t save your father,” he said.

As Ashutosh wept, he urged BJP leaders, including PM Narendra Modi, Rajnath Singh and Sambit Patra, not to play politics over the issue. “We are being targetted by BJP and Congress,” he said.

Gajendra’s family demands CBI probe

Gajendra Singh’s family submitted a memorandum to the Rajasthan health minister, demanding a CBI probe into the farmer’s death at the AAP Kisan rally, according to CNN-IBN.

The family also alleged that Gajendra’s death was not a suicide. The Rajasthan state government promised to forward the memorandum to the Centre.

Why should Kejriwal quit? Did Modi resign after 2002, asks AAP

AAP leader Ashutosh took a dig at PM Narendra Modi and said Kejriwal shouldn’t resign because Modi did not resign after the 2002 Gujarat riots.

“Why should Kejriwal resign? Did Modi resign after 2002?” said the AAP leader.

“We are not here to do Chanakya politics. If the media wants the people to believe that AAP is responsible for the farmer’s suicide, what about the farmers who died in Maharashtra and other states?” Ashutosh said.

On the validity of the AAP Kisan rally, Ashutosh told CNN-IBN, “It was a valid rally. The police had not denied us permission to hold the rally.”

“But let’s shift the debate and talk about why farmers are committing suicide in the country,” he said.

Home Minister’s statement given by Delhi police shows there is larger conspiracy, says Ashutosh

“This whole incident should be investigated by an impartial authority,” said Ashutosh. On being asked whether he thought the probe by Delhi police would be impartial, he said, “We have serious doubts.”

“Police was insensitive at the rally in front of the media in spite of repeated requests to save the farmer,” Ashutosh said.

“Now, they are putting the blame on us. The Home Minister was making a statement given by the Delhi police. This shows there is a larger conspiracy,” he said.

“If the blame is going to be on the Delhi police, how can they conduct investigations?” said the AAP leader. “Let a three-member independent committee investigate the incident,” he said.

Maybe, we were wrong, but it’s harsh to judge our intentions: AAP

AAP leader Ashutosh admitted that maybe AAP was wrong in continuing with the rally after Gajendra Singh fell from the tree but also said that it was extremely harsh and wrong to doubt their intentions.

“In hindsight, maybe our judgment was wrong. Maybe we could’ve stopped the rally. But we thought we should keep the crowd distracted to avoid a stampede-like situation,” Ashutosh told CNN-IBN.

“We should have been more careful,” he said. “Everybody present there wanted him alive. Nobody wanted him to die.

“Maybe, we were wrong. But to doubt our intentions is pretty harsh. We are all humans. We all commit mistakes,” Ashutosh said.

Will not share probe details with the media, says Delhi police

In a news conference, the Public Relations Officer of the Delhi Police Rajan Bhagat said that the police will not share the details of their investigation into Gajendra Singh’s death with the media.

“The Delhi police is an honest and disciplined force,” Bhagat said. “The Delhi police always does its duty.”

“We feel that it would not be approporiate to share details of the investigation with the media,” Bhagat said. However, he added that the police would share a few details if they felt it could be shared with the media.

Kejriwal can’t make the farmer a showpiece of his office: BJP

BJP MP Prakash Javadekar slammed Arvind Kejriwal and said that he cannot make the farmer a spectacle and a showpiece of his office.

“You can’t make the farmer a spectacle, a showpiece of your office. You can’t make a theatrical of the suicide scene in your rally,” Javadekar said. “The CM has woken up late. The apology does not reduce the intensity of the crime. He should support the criminal investigation into the suicide,” he added.

“His party made allegations against the Home Minister Rajnath Singh. Now, all your (AAP) lies have been exposed,” he said. “Arvind Kejriwal should apologise to Rajnath Singh also.”

Farmer won’t come back by Kejriwal’s apology: Mayawati

BSP chief Mayawati reacted to Arvind Kejriwal’s apology and said that farmer Gajendra Singh won’t come back because of his apology. “I just want to say to Kejriwalji that by apologizing, the farmer (Gajendra) will not come back…If they would have wanted, they could have made Gajendra come down. There were many volunteers. Law should be strict in this,” she said.

Gajendra Singh’s father has once again blamed Arvind Kejriwal for the death of his son at an AAP rally on Wednesday. 

“The fact that he has apologised shows he knows he is guilty”, he was quoted as saying by CNN-IBN. “His apology won’t change anything. My son is dead”.

Singh’s family had blamed Kejriwal for the death of Gajendra previously as well.

Gajendra Singh’s mother reacted to Arvind Kejriwal’s apology and said that his apology was not enough.

Maafi maangne say kya,mere yahan chinti ko nahi martey, sari Dilli ko aag laga do petrol daal kay : Gajendra's mother pic.twitter.com/nUMJ9G2bKP

— ANI (@ANI) April 24, 2015

Congress demands judicial inquiry into incident

Congress has given a notice in the Lok Sabha, demanding a judicial inquiry into farmer Gajendra Singh’s suicide, according to Times Now.

Kejriwal shouldn’t politicise someone’s death, says Sheila Dikshit

Congress leader and former Delhi CM Sheila Dikshit said she did not want to comment on what Arvind Kejriwal had said but added that he shouldn’t politicise the issue of Gajendra Singh’s suicide.

On the issue of AAP workers allegedly instigating the farmer to commit suicide, Sheila Dikshit said, “If what you’re saying is true, it is not right for a ruling party. You (Kejriwal) are running a government. At first, you used to keep holding dharnas. But politicising someone’s death like this is not right.”

“As a Chief Minister, his statement should be much more responsible and should meet with the challenges that come up due to a tragedy like this,” said Dikshit.

Arvind Kejriwal should stop behaving like a politician, says Gajendra Singh’s brother

Gajendra Singh’s brother Vijendra said Arvind Kejriwal should stop behaving like a politician. “I want to say to Kejriwalji that instead of behaving like a political person, he should behave on human terms,” he told ANI.

“Kejriwalji should explain every point and tell us that why and what happened in his rally,” he said.

If Kejriwal was sensitive enough, farmer’s suicide could’ve been avoided: Congress

Congress leader Shobha Oza reacted to Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal’s apology and said that the incident could have been avoided if Kejirwal had been sensitive enough. “If the CM was sensitive enough, I am confident that farmer could have been saved,” she said.

Kejriwal’s politics based on allegations and blame games: BJP

Even after Arvind Kejriwal apologised for making a speech after Gajendra Singh’s body was brought down from the tree, BJP lashed out at the Delhi CM and said that his politics was based on ‘allegations, accuses and blame games’.

“It is ironical that Arvind Kejriwal is apologising. His politics is based on allegations, accuses and blame games,” said BJP’s Nalin Kohli.

Another BJP leader GVL Narasimha Rao said, “I hope AAP leaders will realise the manner in which they politicised the issue…I think today, after having seen the public outcry and media reaction over the issue, Kejriwal sounded reasonable.”

“I think the Delhi government will now stop getting into confrontation with the Delhi police,” Rao added.

Delhi police refuses to share documents with state govt, say reports

The Delhi police has refused to share documents related to the probe over Gajendra Singh’s suicide with the Delhi government, according to Times Now.

I should’ve called off the rally, I made a mistake: Kejriwal

“I made a mistake. I should have called off the rally,” said Kejriwal. “When we were on stage, because of the bushes surrounding the tree, what was going on wasn’t clearly visible. Some AAP volunteers came to us and said that something was wrong.

“We couldn’t announce that there was something wrong because then, the people would run to the tree. It would have caused great chaos,” Kejriwal said.

“I honestly believe that even the AAP volunteers didn’t think that he (Gajendra Singh) would jump,” said Kejriwal.

However, the Delhi CM also blamed the media for its portrayal of the issue. “Stop beating the issue to death. This is only being done to increase TRP,” he said. “ANI will not investigate this. The police will,” he told ANI.

He also said the person responsible for Gajendra Singh’s death should be hanged.

Should focus on farmers, issue is that farmers are committing suicide, aim should be stop that:Arvind Kejriwal to ANI pic.twitter.com/GLy1IMlkQH

— ANI (@ANI) April 24, 2015

Arvind Kejriwal apologises for making a speech after Gajendra Singh’s body was brought down

Arvind Kejriwal apologised for making his speech after Gajendra Singh’s body was brought down from the tree.

“I have never experienced anything like this in my life. It pains me greatly,” Kejriwal said. “When his body was brought down, it was found out that he was alive and he was immediately taken to the hospital. When I started talking after that, I talked for a long time. I think this was a mistake. I apologise to anyone who hurt by the incident.”

However, Kejriwal also said that the politics and blame game that had been played over this incident for the past two or three days was wrong. “It’s right to play blame game. It’s not even right to blame the Delhi police.”

“What has been happening for the last few days is not right. Arrest whoever is responsible. But address the problem of why farmers are committing suicide. The naatak which has been going on is not right,” said Kejriwal.

Join probe by 11 am or face action: DM tells Delhi Police

The District Magistrate has warned the Delhi Police to join the probe into the suicide of farmer Gajendra Singh by 11 am on Friday else it would take criminal action against the force.

Delhi Police chief BS Bassi has maintained that they will not join the probe ordered by the AAP-led Delhi government after an FIR states that AAP leaders instigated Singh to commit suicide.

Not a poor farmer? Gajendra didn’t claim compensation from govt

Farmer Gajendra Singh who committed suicide on Wednesday reportedly owned 17 bighas of land in Rajasthan and never claimed any compensation from the state government. The village chief, however, says he did not claim compensation as the land was leased to him.

According to CNN-IBN, he also earned between Rs 500- Rs 10,000 just from tying turbans.

Police send suicide note for forensic tests

The Delhi Police investigating the suicide of farmer Gajendra Singh has sent his alleged suicide note to forensic experts to ascertain whether it was actually written by him or not.

Meanwhile, the police have refused to cooperate with the AAP government in Delhi after its FIR stated that AAP workers instigated the suicide.

Will not join Delhi govt’s probe, says BS Bassi

Delhi Police Commissioner BS Bassi has said that he will not co-operate with the ‘AAP magisterial probe’ into the suicide of farmer Gajendra Singh. “According to the rule of law, whatever is required we will do. But we cannot get into anything illegal,” Bassi said.

Officials investigating the case have said that AAP workers stopped police officials from sending the victim to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital while insisting that he was a party member and should not be taken in a police van which resulted in considerable delay.

BJP leaders in Varanasi are now staging a protesting against Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal.

Varanasi: BJP protest against Arvind Kejriwal. pic.twitter.com/v1w6oLC9sJ

— ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2015

Clear case of abetment to suicide by AAP workers, claims FIR

According to reports, the FIR filed in the case of farmer Gajendra Singh’s suicide said that AAP workers and leaders were instigating the farmer climbing the tree to commit suicide while the Delhi police was trying to save the farmer and had called the fire brigade for help.

The FIR reportedly said that the case was a “clear case of abetment to suicide by AAP workers and leaders,” according to CNN-IBN. The channeld also reported that the Delhi Police Commissioner BS Bassi said that he will not co-operate with the ‘AAP magisterial probe’.

Gajendra’s letter was not a suicide note, says deceased farmer’s brother

Gajendra Singh’s brother Vijendra Singh said that the letter that was recovered from Gajendra Singh’s body was not a suicide note. “In the note, my brother had talked about how his row with his father. But did he ever mention the word ‘suicide’?” he said.

“I myself consider Kejriwal to be at fault,” he had said earlier.

Mai khud, Kejriwal ji ko doshi manta hun iss maamle mai: Vijendra Singh (Gajendra Singh's brother) pic.twitter.com/cOEoXJRCw2

— ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2015

Congress demands judicial inquiry into farmer’s suicide

Congress leader Ajay Maken, at a press conference, demanded a judicial inquiry into the incident. He also criticised AAP for being ‘insensitive’ while conducting the rally. “Had there been one ambulance and one fire tender during AAP’s rally, then the farmer could have been saved,” said Maken. “If we, being the opposition, can follow certain norms, why can’t they?”

All parties must collectively find solution to problem of farmer suicides, says Manmohan Singh

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, in a statement on the farmer’s suicide, said, “It is a great tragedy that so many farmers are committing suicide…All parties in the House and outside must put their wisdom, knowledge and experience to find credible a solution.”

Home Minister lied to the nation and Parliament, says AAP’s Kumar Vishwas

AAP leader Kumar Vishwas lashed out at Home Minister Rajnath Singh’s statement in the Lok Sabha that Delhi police tried saving the farmer whereas people at the rally were provoking the farmer. “The Home Minister is lying to the Parliament and the nation. He said that AAP leaders were trying to stop Delhi police from doing their work. Is this the Delhi police’s strategy under the Centre’s order to defame the AAP government?” said Kumar Vishwas.

“We were constantly appealing to the Delhi police to help the farmer,” said Vishwas. “You (media channels) have the footage. You can show the truth about what happened,” he said.

"The Home Minister spoke a lie in the House by saying that the Delhi police was not allowed to do its work" pic.twitter.com/ZQbm01qJwb

— ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2015

Delhi police not co-operating with the magisterial probe, says AAP

After saying that Gajendra’s sacrifice would not go in vain, AAP leader Kumar Vishwas said, “Yesterday, it was announced that Magisterial enquiry would be initiated in the case. Today, Delhi Police refused to work with them.”

Will give Rs 10 lakh compensation to farmer’s family, says AAP

The AAP government announced Rs 10 lakh compensation for the family of the deceased farmer. “Party has decided to give the family Rs 10 lakh as compensation,” said AAP leader Sanjay Singh.

Nothing more important than a human being’s life, says PM Modi in Lok Sabha

Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a statement in the Lok Sabha on the farmer’s suicide in Delhi yesterday and said there was nothing more important than a human being’s life. “For many years, farmer suicides have been a serious issue for all governments,” he said.

“Even I was pained by yesterday’s incident. We need to collectively think of a solution to the problem of farmer suicides,” Modi said. “The government is ready to go forward with constructive ideas on this issue. There is nothing more important than a farmer’s life. There is nothing more important than a human being’s life.”

Police instantly called the fire brigade when the farmer began climbing tree, says Rajnath

“When the police saw the man climbing the tree, the police instantly made a call to the fire brigade to come to the spot. They even tried to control the people provoking the farmer,” said Rajnath, responding to Mallikarjun Kharge’s question about what the police was doing.

“Even an AAP leader had said earlier that it would have been good if the AAP rally would’ve been cancelled,” said Rajnath.

Was the police sleeping when the farmer was climbing the tree, asks Mallikarjun Kharge in LS

“You (Rajnath) said that people at the rally were provoking the farmer. You said the people on the stage also did not protect the farmer. But your police force was there to control the people provoking the farmer. When the farmer was climbing the tree, was the police sleeping then? Did the police want the farmer to commit suicide?” asked Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge.

“The police is in your control. The Delhi CM says that the police is not under his control. The police functions under the Home Minister. So what did you do?” said the Congress leader.

“The police itself is at fault. We urge the PM to conduct a judicial inquiry because the police, which is the culprit, cannot conduct the probe,” said Kharge.

Ordered a time-bound probe into incident, says Rajnath

“Delhi crime branch is probing the incident. I have ordered the police to conduct a time-bound probe into the incident,” said Rajnath Singh.

Rajnath also mentioned the measures the Modi government had taken to improve the condition of farmers in the country. “During 1950-51, the contribution of agriculture used to be 55 percent. Now, the share is only 14 percent…To improve the condition of farmers during these troubled times, we have programmes like ‘per drop, more crop’,” said Rajnath.

Blame game needs to stop, says Rajnath

Home Minister Rajnath Singh in Lok Sabha that the blame game on agriculture among politicians needed to stop. “Every government claims to be pro-farmer….But the constant allegations and counter-allegations of an being anti-farmer government needs to stop when it comes to farmers’ issues,” he said.

“I offer my condolences to Gajendra Singh’s family, also on the behalf of PM Modi and the nation. But this matter shouldn’t be politicised.”

Delhi police tried to stop the crowd from provoking Gajendra, says Rajnath

Home Minister Rajnath Singh, in a statement in the Lok Sabha on farmer Gajendra Singh’s suicide, said that the Delhi police tried to stop people present at the AAP rally from provoking Gajendra Singh.

“The Delhi police tried to stop the crowd from provoking Gajendra. Despite this, the people at the rally kept clapping, making noise,” said Rajnath.

Hum sab ko chullu bhar paani mai doob marna chahiye: Uma Bharti (Union Minister) on Gajendra Singh suicide case pic.twitter.com/7mPzJB4emn

— ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2015

AAP MP slams Modi govt in Lok Sabha

AAP MP Bhagwat Mann lashed out at the government and said that PM Modi’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ radio programme was not enough to address the people. “Just giving a statement on the ‘Mann Ki Baat’ radio programme is not enough,” Mann said.

Speaker Sumitra Mahajan criticised Mann for his statement and said, “It is wrong to point fingers at the PM over each and every issue.”

Mann also alleged that many state governments report wrong figures on farmer suicides. “Several state governments report wrong figures. They cover up the suicides committed by farmers,” he said. “A long standing solution needs to be figured out for this problem.”

Delhi police not co-operating, alleges AAP

AAP alleged that the Delhi police was not co-operating with the district magisterial inquiry into the farmer’s suicide, according to Times Now.

Delhi police has sent to the AAP leaders who organised the Kisan rally during which Gajendra Singh committed suicide. They will be questioned by the police, according to reports.

Delhi police crime branch team is investigating the spot where Gajendra Singh committed suicide.

Delhi: Crime branch team visits the spot where farmer Gajendra Singh committed suicide pic.twitter.com/SiMnEqyOts

— ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2015

Mayawati demands CBI inquiry into farmer’s suicide

“The central government should take this matter seriously. CBI should investigate and find out if the farmer was provoked into committing suicide,” said the BSP chief.

Gajendra’s brother demands action against AAP

Gajendra Singh’s brother demands action against AAP, according to CNN-IBN. “It is a political conspiracy. Manish Sisodia was in touch with my brother,” he said.

Mulayam slams govt, says farmer policies need to change

Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav criticised the Modi government and said farmer policies need to change. “Farmer suicides are taking place in UP also. We want the government to take measures after which farmers do not commit suicide. If you make farmers independent, you will not need to take debt from any country in the world,” he said.

BSP chief Mayawati had also made a statement earlier and had said, “The farmer could have been stopped from committing suicide. AAP leaders should have been pro-active.”

Uproar erupts in Rajya Sabha over Gajendra Singh’s suicide

Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad raised the issue of farmer Gajendra Singh’s suicide in the Rajya Sabha and clamed the central and Delhi government for the incident. “In Haryana and Rajasthan also, farmer suicides are also taking place. In states where farmer suicides never took place, such incidents are taking place. Gajendra Singh committed suicide in Delhi. He hung himself from a tree. The central government and AAP govt are responsible for this suicide.”

Venkaiah Naidu responded and said, “We should all collectively put our minds together on the series of farmer suicides that have taken place in India over the years.”

After Naidu’s statement, uproar erupted in the Rajya Sabha, after which the House was adjourned for 15 minutes.

Why wasn’t this tragedy stopped, asks Congress as Lok Sabha resumes

Congress leader Deepender Singh Hooda raised the issue of farmer Gajendra Singh’s suicide. “Many questions come up because of this incident. Why didn’t we stop this tragedy from happening? Introspection needs to be done, why wasnt the farmer stopped? Why did the police not come forward?”

“We are humans first, politicians, journalists second. Even children saw these horrific images,” Hooda said. “Media should have been more humane too. When the farmer threw his suicide note, there was a run to grab it first.”

Case likely against AAP leaders

The Delhi police will question AAP leaders who were on stage when the suicide took place, according to Times Now. Sources also told the TV channel that a case was likely against the AAP leaders who were responsible for organising the AAP Kisan rally.

For political benefit, will Kejriwal climb up a tree, asks Congress

Congress leader Randeep Surjewala also slammed Kejriwal. “Arvind Kejriwal is responsible for this death. People will give a response to him,” he said. “We have never seen a more inhuman and more cruel person than Arvind Kejriwal,” he said.

“For political benefit, if Kejriwal can climb up an electrical pole, why not a tree?” Surjewala said.

Kejriwal should resign, says BJP

Delhi BJP President Satish Upadhyay blamed Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal for Gajendra Singh’s suicide and demanded his resignation as he, along with other BJP workers, was detained by the police for protesting outside the police headquarters.

“This was a motivated murder. An FIR should be lodged for murder,” Upadhyay had said.

Gajendra Singh’s family said that he did not want to commit suicide and had not gone to the AAP rally with the intention to hang himself, according to reports.

Have submitted report to Home Minister, says BS Bassi

Delhi Police Commissioner BS Bassi submitted a report to the Home Minister Rajnath Singh over the farmer’s suicide. “We have submitted a report to the Home Ministry,” he said. “We will look into the matter, and whatever needs to be done will be done.”

Delhi police are using water cannons against the BJP protesters outside the Delhi police headquarters in New Delhi.

Delhi: BJP protest against farmer suicide incident from Shahidi Park to PHQ, water cannons used to disperse protestrs pic.twitter.com/wYx4fjOlzb

— ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2015

Rajnath meets PM Modi

Home Minister Rajnath Singh met Prime Minister Modi over Gajendra Singh’s suicide, say reports.

Lok Sabha adjourned till noon, Speaker slams MPs

Due to uproar over farmer Gajendra Singh’s suicide, the Lok Sabha was adjourned till 12 pm. Speaker Sumitra Mahajan warned the members to behave themselves and not to politicise the matter. “Abhi kyun chilla rahe ho. Kal gaye the bachane us kisan ko,” Mahajan told protesting members.

BJP workers are staging a protest outside the Delhi police headquarters in New Delhi over Gajendra Singh’s suicide.

Last rites of Gajendra Singh conducted

The last rites of deceased farmer Gajendra Singh was conducted in Dausa, Rajasthan. Meanwhile, Home Mnister Rajnath Singh is expected to make a statement on the issue at around 12 pm.

"Gajendra ka balidaan yaad karega Hindustan" "Jai Jawan Jai Kisan" slogans at funeral of Gajendra pic.twitter.com/HVqqhGnDFZ

— ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2015

Gajendra Singh’s suicide creates uproar in Lok Sabha

The outrage over Gajendra Singh’s suicide reached the Lok Sabha as Opposition demanded suspension of the Question Hour. As Speaker Sumitra Mahajan did not allow the suspension, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge said, “Police and the people on the stage at the rally just kept watching the farmer’s suicide. If we don’t suspend Question Hour over this issue, what will be suspend it over?”

In response, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Venkaiah Naidu said, “The issue raised by Khargeji is a very serious issue. The government has no problem discussing it.”

As Speaker said that the issue will be discussed at 12 pm, an uproar erupted in the Lok Sabha.

As BJP and Congress lead the charge against Aam Aadmi Party, Arvind Kejriwal is reportedly holding a meeting at his residence with other party members to discuss the future strategy of the party post the farmer’s suicide at the AAP rally.

Congress workers protest outside Kejriwal’s house in Delhi

Youth Congress workers are seen protesting outside chief minister Arvind Kejriwal’s house, blaming him and his party for the farmer’s death. The police also detained a few workers as the protest turned violent. Many Congress workers were burning effigies of Kejriwal and were holding placards which read ‘Shame on the CM’. 

“Yeh ghatiya raajniti hai, Kejriwal ko sharam aani chahiya ( This is terrible politics, shame on Kejriwal),” a Youth Congress worker told CNN IBN at the protest outside Kejriwal’s house.  

Gajendra Singh suicide case: Youth Congress protest outside Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal's residence. pic.twitter.com/0RNrqgnJ0B

— ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2015

Delhi: LG Najeeb Jung and BS Bassi arrive in Parl to meet Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Gajendra Singh suicide case. pic.twitter.com/WPARLCfmwo

— ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2015

Delhi L-G, police commissioner meet Rajnath

Delhi Lieutenant-Governor Najeeb Jung and Delhi Police Commissioner have met Home Minister Rajnath Singh over the farmer’s suicide at AAP rally, say reports.

Delhi crime branch sends team to Dausa

A team has been sent to Dausa to investigate farmer Gajendra Singh’s suicide. The team is conducting background checks and has spoken to the deceased farmer’s family, say reports.

Don’t politicise issue, Venkaiah Naidu tells Oppn

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Venkaiah Naidu responded to the Opposition parties’ notice in the Parliament over the farmer’s suicide. “Don’t politicise the issue,” Naidu said, according to CNN-IBN. “Government has already taken notice of the plight of farmers.”

Stormy session ahead in Parliament as Oppn prepares to corner govt over farmer’s suicide

A stormy session is expected at the Parliament today over farmer Gajendra Singh’s death.

JD(U) and Samajwadi Party issued a notice in Rajya Sabha while Congress and CPI(M) issued a notice in Lok Sabha over Gajendra Singh’s suicide. The parties sought suspension of the Question Hour.

BJP to protest against Kejriwal

Delhi BJP will stage a protest against CM Arvind Kejriwal over farmer Gajendra Singh’s suicide, said reports.

Don’t want to engage in blame game, says Arvind Kejriwal

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal condoled the demise of farmer Gajendra Singh and said he does not want to play a blame game over this tragedy.

“Delhi government does not wish to engage in any blame game at this terrible tragedy,” Kejriwal said. “The loss of life of this farmer in distress is an extremely sad incident…and no words can fulfill the irreparable loss caused to Gajendra’s family,” he added, according to ANI.

Saying that his government was committed to the welfare of farmers, Kejriwal said, “Delhi government is committed for the well being of farmers and will continue to strive for their betterment. We will do everything to find out how such an incident took place in full public view.”

“District Magistrate of the area has already begun his probe into the entire incident and the government will await the inquiry report before any further reaction,” said the Delhi CM.

Mortal remains of Gajendra Singh arrive at his residence

Nangal, Jhamarwada (Dausa, RJ): Mortal remains of farmer Gajendra Singh brought to his residence. pic.twitter.com/P2WD4JbQH5

— ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2015

Nangal,Ghamarwada (Dausa, RJ): Father of deceased farmer Gajendra Singh faints,waiting for mortal remains of his son. pic.twitter.com/TYUQkJ7eEO

— ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2015

Why didn’t anyone save him, asks Gajendra Singh’s uncle

“He (Gajendra) had left two days back. He must’ve gone there to represent farmers. We got to know through TV that Gajendra was in Delhi and tried to commit suicide. I don’t understand how no one tried to save him at a crowded rally,” said Gajendra Singh’s uncle Girdhari Singh.

“The rally wasn’t being held in a jungle. Wasn’t there any person there who could’ve saved him?” he said.

“We have come to know that he was in touch with Manish Sisodia,” said Jaiveer Singh, another uncle of Gajendra Singh. Rajender Singh, Gajendra’s cousin, said that Gajendra had gone to Manish Sisodia’s house at around 11 am before the rally.

The family of the deceased farmer had been preparing for a wedding when the suicide took place.

Delhi police claim they had asked AAP to change rally venue

Delhi police claim they had written a letter to AAP a day before their rally began, asking them to shift the venue of their rally from the Jantar Mantar to Ramlila Maidan because the venue at Jantar Mantar was too small for the number of people expected at the venue, according to Times Now.

Police probing whether farmer had been provoked to climb tree

The Delhi police is probing whether the suicide of 40-year-old farmer Gajendra Singh Rathore was an accident or a suicide which took place as a result of being provoked by people at the AAP Kisan rally.

The “distress note, along with the fact that he spent a long time on the tree – in traditional Rajasthani gear, wearing a colourful turban and with a broom in his hands – and the way his body was positioned when party volunteers tried to bring him down suggest that his death may be just an accident,” reported The Times of India .

However, the report also said that some eyewitnesses claim that AAP supporters had provoked Gajendra Singh to climb the tree and could be held responsible.

FIR filed in the farmer suicide case

Delhi police crime branch filed an FIR in the farmer suicide case, according to Times Now. The FIR was filed for abetment to suicide under Sections 306 and 186.

Delhi Police are trained professionals, says Jt Commissioner after farmer suicide

Facing flak for the death of a farmer at the AAP anti-land bill rally, Joint Commissioner of the Delhi Police MK Meena was on the defensive. 

He said, “We are looking into the matter. Delhi Police are trained proffessionals.”

After making a sarcastic statemement that the chief minister, next time, would climb up a tree when a farmer tries to commit suicide, AAP leader Ashutosh has now reportedly apologised. 

I am extremely sorry for my statement. And apologise for that: AAP leader Ashutosh apologises for statement #SuicideBlamegame

— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) April 22, 2015

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reacts to farmer’s death in AAP rally

Gajendra’s death has saddened the Nation. We are all deeply shattered & disappointed. Condolences to his family.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 22, 2015

At no point must the hardworking farmer think he is alone. We are all together in creating a better tomorrow for the farmers of India.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 22, 2015

Abhi maine MK Meena ji ka bayaan suna...jhooth bolte hai woh: Ashutosh (AAP) on Jantar Mantar incident pic.twitter.com/65J6oGxzva

— ANI (@ANI) April 22, 2015

Next time Kejriwal will climb up tree, says sarcastic Ashutosh on criticism over farmer’s death

Blaming the Delhi police for not carrying out their duties, AAP leader Ashutosh said that “It is the Delhi police that did not do its duty.”

Reacting to the criticism of Kejriwal not stoppinf the rally, a sarcastic Ashutosh said, “From the next time we will ask the Delhi CM Kejriwal himself to climb up a tree and save the farmer. It is Kejriwal’s fault that he himself did not climb up the tree.”

Don’t play politics on farmer’s death, says AAP’s Sanjay Singh 

Even as AAP was criticsed for continuing the rally depsite the farmers death, AAP leader Sanjay Singh, “Our volunteers took him to the hospital, and as soon as the news of his death came, Arvind Kejriwal and other leaders rushed to the hospital.”

“It was our volunteers and not police who took him to the hospital,” he said. 

“Those who did a political rally in Bihar after bomb blasts are pointing fingers at us. Politics shouldn’t be played just for the sake of it,” Singh said.

Don’t play politics on farmer’s death, fulfil their needs, Kumar Vishwas to Cong, BJP

Speaking about the death of the farmer who killed himself at the AAP rally in Jantar Mantar on Wednesday, party leader Kumar Vishwas says, “By this action he gave the statement of his life.”

He says, “He was brought down by AAP volunteers, and he was still alive. When he was taken to the hospital after he was declared dead.”

“The situation is such now that a person had to end their life to get the attention of the government,” he says. 

Talking about the criticism the government has directed at AAP Vishwas says,“We take whatever criticism the government has directed at us. But please take note of the poor farmers death.” 

Vishwas also requested political parties not to get involved in a blame game. “Please help the farmers in your respective states.”

From last 1 year, the matter has been raised in the Parl. The plight of farmers has been made known to PM and his Govt: Sitaram Yechury

— ANI (@ANI) April 22, 2015

Land ordinance further adding to misery of farmers: Yechury

Speaking of how the Modi government is adding to the misery of farmers, Sitaram Yechuy condemended the death of the farmer at AAP’s Jantar Mantar rally. 

Criticising NDA’s land ordinance, Yechury said, “This land acquisition ordinance is further adding up to misery of farmers.”

Farmers being punished by Modi govt, says Rahul Gandhi

“It is a very sad time. I just want to tell the farmers and labourers not to worry. We will help them,” said Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi. “I had earlier said that the farmers are being punished by the Modi government. I had said that they only help industrialists. This is causing tremendous pain to the farmers of the country. This is sad. But we will do whatever we can for the farmers. We are going to fight the land ordinance,” he said.

AAP workers helped farmer climb the tree, alleges BJP’s Satish Upadhyay

AAP workers who were wearing AAP caps helped the farmer climb the tree: Satish Upadhyay, BJP pic.twitter.com/sT79LeXF0M

— ANI (@ANI) April 22, 2015

Deeply pained to hear about farmer’s suicide, says Rajnath

Deeply pained to hear the news of a farmer committing suicide at Jantar Mantar.Instructed Delhi CP to institute an inquiry into the incident

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) April 22, 2015

Farmer’s name was Gajinder Singh, says police official

A Delhi police official confirmed that the deceased farmer’s name was Gajinder Singh who was from Rajasthan. “We have launched an inquiry into the incident,” said the police official. On the allegation that the Delhi police did not do anything to save the farmer, the official said, “The allegations are false.”

Rahul Gandhi reaches hospital, will meet farmer’s family

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi has reached the Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital and will meet the farmer’s family, according to reports. People at the hospital were shouting “Rahulji sangharsh karo!" as Rahul Gandhi left the hospital.

Home Ministry seeks full report on farmer’s suicide from police

Home Minister Rajnath Singh spoke to the Delhi Police Commissioner BS Bassi and asked for a full report on the farmer’s suicide, according to TV reports. The Home Ministry has also ordered a probe into the suicide.

Journalist Rahul Kanwal tweeted that eyewitnesses said that the farmer had been trying to commit suicide since 10 am in the morning.

This is the note the man threw down before hanging himself @IndianExpress pic.twitter.com/k0fkIvwjEs

— Dipankar Ghose (@dipankarghose31) April 22, 2015

Kejriwal played politics over the farmer’s dead body, says BJP

BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra slammed Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal for continuing his speech and said his career was more important to him than a person’s life. “This is a conspiracy. You (Kejriwal) knew very well that the man had who climbed the tree was going to commit suicide. But you played politics over his dead body,” said Patra.

“You (Kejriwal) are the Chief Minister. You must’ve known he was brought dead. But you were saying that you will go to the hospital after finishing your speech,” he said. “Is your career more important than a person’s life? I am a doctor. I know how painful his death must have been,” he said.

“Arvind Kejriwal should’ve stopped the rally and stepped in the vehicle which was bringing him to the hospital,” he said. “This is not the time to play petty politics,” he said.

“Delhi police is not under your control. But isn’t your soul under your control?” Patra said. “Could AAP volunteers have climbed the tree to rescue him?”

AAP volunteers tried to save farmer, Delhi police didn’t take action: AAP’s Somnath Bharti

After earlier tweeting that the farmer’s suicide seemed to be a conspiracy, AAP’s Somnath Bharti said it was the AAP volunteers who tried saving the farmer. “It was the AAP volunteers who began climbing the tree to save the farmer. The police did not help. Why did they wait for the fire brigade to come? Is our Delhi police not trained enough to climb trees?”

Bharti also said that no one expected the farmer to commit suicide. “Nobody had thought that something so horrific would happen. We thought that he was trying to climb a tree as some people normally do at rallies. However, this is a very sad incident.”

He also said the government needs to think about why farmers are committing suicide in such large numbers.

Farmer’s suicide seems to be a conspiracy, says AAP’s Somnath Bharti

Farmer was dead when he was brought in, says doctor at RML hospital

When he was brought in, he was brought dead: RML Doctor on the man who attempted suicide during AAP rally pic.twitter.com/H1FLdqDnkX

— ANI (@ANI) April 22, 2015

This suicide points out a national problem, says Congress

Congress leader Sachin Pilot criticised the NDA government over the suicide that took place. “We will give support to the farmer’s family. This is not just the issue of one farmer but the issue of all farmers who are dissatisfied with the government. Farmers are hanging themselves from a tree. What can be more sad and pathetic than this?” Pilot said.

“It is time for people in the government to see what we have been constantly saying,” Pilot said. “The government must come out with a strong package to help the farmers.”

Organisers could’ve been more sensitive at the rally, says Congress’ Ajay Maken

Congress leader Ajay Maken, who reached the Ram Manohar Lohia hospital, said that the organisers could’ve been more sensitive during the rally. “The organisers could have been more sensitive. I am not in a state of mind to comment on this. I have just seen a farmer who committed suicide. I am not in the proper state of mind,” Maken said.

Another Congress leader Sachin Pilot also said criticised AAP for not stopping the rally. “Saving a person’s life is far more important than making a political speech. The fact that AAP leaders didn’t try preventing the suicide speaks volumes about the people who claim to fight for farmers,” pilot said.

Farmer who attempted suicide declared dead, say reports

The farmer who was rushed to the Ram Manohar Lohia hospital after he tried committing suicide has been declared dead, according to reports.

Modi govt only supports super-rich, says Kejriwal

Delhi CM Kejriwal slammed the Modi government for the land bill and said that the NDA was a government only for the “super-ameer” (super-rich). “One year ago, the people put a lot of faith in the Modi sarkar and voted for them. Now, the farmers and the poor feel that the Modi govt is a govt for the super-ameer,” he said.

“All the farmers are against this bill on land acquisition. Many political parties are against the law too and have agitated against the bill,” Kejriwal said. “What emergency was at hand due to which the Modi government brought about this land bill? Did the Modi government want to benefit some super-ameer industrialists?”

Police should have tried saving the farmer, says Kejriwal

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal slammed the police for not trying to save the farmer who attempted suicide. “In front of our eyes, he (the farmer) climbed a tree. We had been continuously telling the police to save the man. Even though the police is not under our control, at least they should have had the humanity to save the farmer,” he said.

“The farmer who tried to commit suicide has got the entire nation’s attention. We are here for him,” he added.

Condition of farmer unknown, AAP govt with farmer’s family: Sisodia

Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia confirmed that the farmer who attempted suicide was from Rajasthan. “We don’t know what his condition is now. We are with the family of the farmer,” he said.

Sisodia also said that the AAP government was concerned about the benefit of farmers. “We are committed to the people of Delhi,” he said. “The way the central government is trying to snatch the land from farmers isn’t right.”

Farmer was a father of 3 children from Rajasthan, say reports

The farmer who tried committing suicide at the AAP rally is reportedly from Dausa, Rajasthan and is the father of three children, according to Headlines Today. The TV channel added that the farmer had claimed in a suicide note that his crops had failed. He is currently in critical condition in a hospital.

Man attempts suicide by hanging himself from a tree during AAP’s rally at Jantar Mantar in Delhi pic.twitter.com/nEUvgtfKqM

— ANI (@ANI) April 22, 2015

Farmer tries to hang himself from a tree at AAP rally

A farmer attempted suicide as he tried to hang himself from a tree at the rally. AAP volunteers stopped him and he has now been rushed to the hospital, according to reports.

Did acche din come for farmers, asks AAP’s Ashish Khetan

AAP leader Ashish Khetan took a dig at the NDA and asked whether acche din had come for the farmers of the country also. “I ask all the farmers: Did acche din come for you?” Khetan said at the rally.

“No matter how many obstacles we face, the journey we have started at Jantar Mantar will reach its objective,” he said.

Arvind Kejriwal reaches Jantar Mantar

Delhi CM Kejriwal has reached the rally venue and is expected to address the crowd soon, according to reports.

Won’t orphan farmers, says AAP

AAP’s Gopal Rai said that the Delhi government will not orphan the farmers like the Modi government. “Delhi government won’t leave the farmers orphan like the Modi government has,” Rai said at the rally. “AAP workers will unite the farmers across the country and will take this andolan forward.”

.@AapKaGopalRai says that Delhi govt won't leave the farmers orphan like @narendramodi govt has.#AAPKisanRally pic.twitter.com/KeamWPflxG

— AAP (@AamAadmiParty) April 22, 2015

Kejriwal avoiding media due to AAP rift: BJP

BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain slammed the AAP for putting restrictions on the media during its rally against the land bill. “Arvind Kejriwal hates the same media which made him a hero once. What is the reason? Why does he want to run away from the media? Earlier, he wanted the media to spread every word he was saying. Now, he doesn’t want media because he doesn’t have any answer for the rift within AAP,” he said.

Why doesn’t PM Modi take questions from media, asks AAP

AAP leader Ashutosh said that it was “funny” that the news about Kejriwal asking the Delhi police to keep media away was being spread at a time when PM Narendra Modi did not take questions from the media. “It is funny that news is spread that Arvind doesn’t want media around. Does anybody ask why the PM never takes questions?” ANI quoted him as saying.

#AAPKisanRally trends on Twitter

A group from Allahabad came to Delhi all on cycles to participate at #AAPKisanRally 👍 pic.twitter.com/YaRYa640Ml

— M (@imnoone81) April 22, 2015

Delhi govt. gave the highest amount of compensation to farmers AAP is always with farmers #AAPKisanRally

— Pritha (@tweetingpritha) April 22, 2015

Mujhe media se door Rakho : Kejriwal #AAPKisanRally

— घासू आँसू #AshuCries (@Cydkpp) April 22, 2015

Will create nationwide stir if land bill is forced, says AAP

We are giving clear warning to govt on Land Acquisition, will create a nationwide stir if it is forced: Ashutosh, AAP pic.twitter.com/53YfnJBaTh

— ANI (@ANI) April 22, 2015

AAP a crumbling structure: BJP

BJP hit back at the AAP and said that the party is a crumbling structure. “AAP is a crumbling structure. They have given away their principles. Now, they only impose allegations,” BJP leader Nalin Kohli said.

Modi govt trying to pay industrialists back, says AAP’s Ashutosh

AAP leader Ashutosh alleged that BJP was trying to force the land ordinance on the people as a law because the Modi government needed to pay industrialists back for supporting him. “BJP government pursuing is anti-farmer policies because they’ve been obliged by industrial houses. Now, it’s time for Modi government to pay them back,” he said.

Communication with govt confidential, media can go to any function: BS Bassi

Delhi Police Commissioner BS Bassi responded to reports that Kejriwal had asked police to keep media away from the rally and said that even though he could not disclose his communication with the government, the media could go to any function. “Communication with government agencies and police is confidential. I cannot discuss that. Media, if identified, can go to any function,” he said.

Delhi: AAP to hold a rally against land acquisition ordinance at Jantar Mantar. pic.twitter.com/0Ww4ffEP7Q

— ANI (@ANI) April 22, 2015

Keep media away, Kejriwal tells Delhi police

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal issued a directive to the Delhi police to keep the media away from the rally, according to TV reports. Moreover, CNN-IBN reported that sources from the police said that they will follow up on Kejriwal’s directive on ‘security.’