Political blame game kicks off after distressed farmer hangs himself at Kejriwal's anti-land bill rally

New Delhi: A high-voltage political drama began here on Wednesday as a distressed farmer from Rajasthan committed suicide in full public view at the Aam Aadmi Party rally against the Centre’s land ordinance, in the presence of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who came under fire for “utter insensitivity” as he went ahead with his speech.

Read: Rajnath Singh tells Delhi Police to complete probe soon

The farmer, identified as Gajendra Singh, climbed on top of a tree as top AAP leaders were present at Jantar Mantar, a stone’s throw from Parliament, and hanged himself with a gamcha (towel). As policemen on duty for the rally looked on, some people climbed up the tree to save him, the branch gave away and he fell. He was rushed immediately to the nearby Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in a police jeep, where he was declared “brought dead”.

Read: Farmer's death has saddened nation, says Narendra Modi

A full-scale political drama unfolded with demands made for registering of FIRs against the AAP leaders. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was “deeply shattered” and “disappointed” over the suicide and told farmers not to feel themselves alone.

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