BJP MP Janardan Mishra, a three-time parliamentarian from Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, has triggered controversy after allegedly describing farmers as people who work for only three months a year and spend the remaining nine months playing cards, consuming gutka and liquor, smoking chillums and chanting “Jai Bhole”.
"Farmers don't work for more than 3 months. They spend the remaining 9 months playing cards, watching Rajshri films, drinking from bottles and chillums, and chanting 'Hail Bhole." ' He said
The remarks were made on Nov 9 during a Govardhan Puja programme at Kamal Gaushala in Rakri village, Mauganj district, which falls under his Rewa Lok Sabha constituency. A 36-second video of his speech circulated on social media, drawing criticism from farmers in both Rewa and Mauganj districts.
MP Issues Apology Over Remarks
Following the backlash, Mishra issued a video statement on Nov 11, expressing regret over his choice of words. He said that some of his remarks had hurt farmers and that he apologised for the mistake.
The MP also said that he belonged to a farming family and understood the problems faced by farmers. He clarified that his intention was not to insult the farming community but to encourage greater self-reliance through dairy farming and cattle rearing. He also claimed that his remarks had been presented out of context.
"Farmers work for just three months and spend the remaining nine months playing cards, drinking liquor and smoking ganja." — Janardan Mishra, BJP MP from Rewa, Madhya Pradesh https://t.co/mLueXao7WV
— Kant X (@Kantxhcru) November 10, 2026
Farmers' Unions Demand FIR
The remarks have drawn a response from farmers' organisations. The Samyukt Kisan Morcha submitted a memorandum to the Rewa Superintendent of Police, demanding that an FIR be registered against Mishra.
Farmer leader Shiv Singh said the organisation would also approach the President and the Lok Sabha Speaker, seeking the cancellation of the MP's membership. The group also demanded that the BJP take action over the remarks.
The Congress has also criticised Mishra. Congress leaders accused him of insulting farmers and demanded a public apology. Party leaders questioned his understanding of the work and difficulties involved in agriculture.
What the Remarks Overlook
The issue, however, is not whether farmers find a little time during the afternoon to sit and play cards. Farmers, particularly those with smaller landholdings who cultivate their own fields, often struggle to earn enough despite the hard work involved.
Land ownership in rural India is also unequal and can intersect with caste. National data from the 2018–19 rural household survey showed that Scheduled Caste households accounted for 21.7% of rural households but owned only 10.2% of rural households' land.
Agricultural work is not limited to sowing and harvesting. Farmers have to manage irrigation, arrange seeds and fertilisers, monitor crops and prepare for different cropping seasons. India's agricultural calendar includes Kharif, Rabi and summer crops, with work continuing across the year.
Farmers often have to shift between multiple cropping seasons and cannot afford to depend on a single season of work for their livelihood. Working under the scorching sun for prolonged periods can also take a toll on their health.
These are not the first controversial remarks by the MP. He has made news with remarks talking abour elon musk and also on the topic of ethanol blending in the past.
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