Suicides in K’taka higher among men than women, family issues, debt, illness major factors: NCRB
Bengaluru: In a concerning development, 29 men died by suicide every day in Karnataka in 2023, according to the latest report from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). Family disputes, illness, mental health issues, substance abuse, and debts were identified as the leading causes.
The report, cited by Deccan Herald, reveals that the number of male suicides has been steadily increasing over the past five years. Between 2018 and 2023, Karnataka recorded a total of 63,539 suicides, of which 48,125 were men and 15,400 were women.
The NCRB data shows that nearly 13,330 suicides occurred in the state in 2023 alone, with men accounting for 10,232 and women for 3,091. Suicides among rural men are notably higher than in urban areas, the data indicates.
Neeraj Shanthakumar, a men’s rights activist, emphasised the lack of emotional support available to men, noting that many face the stigma of being unable to express vulnerability. "The actual issue is that a majority of men do not get a shoulder to cry on. There are no platforms or dedicated helplines for counseling," DH quoted him as saying.
Shanthakumar pointed out that though the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, has been introduced by the government, it has not been implemented yet.
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Sujit Nair raises concerns over speculation of DMK-AIADMK understanding to block TVK
Chennai: Journalist and political commentator Sujit Nair has expressed concern over speculation that the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam could explore a post-poll understanding to prevent Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam from forming the government in Tamil Nadu.
In a social media post, Sujit Nair said the election verdict in Tamil Nadu reflected a clear public demand for political change and argued that the mandate should be respected irrespective of political preferences.
Referring to reports and political discussions surrounding a possible understanding between the DMK and AIADMK, he said he hoped such developments remained only speculative conversations and did not turn into reality.
Nair stated that if such an alliance were to take shape, it would raise serious questions about ideological politics in the country. He said TVK had emerged through a democratic electoral process and that the legitimacy to govern in a parliamentary democracy comes from the people’s verdict.
According to him, attempts to prevent an electoral winner from forming the government through unexpected political arrangements may be constitutionally valid, but many people could view them as politically opportunistic.
He further said that such a move could particularly affect the political image of the DMK, which has historically projected itself around ideology, social justice and opposition politics. Nair said that in ideological terms, the DMK appeared closer to TVK than to the AIADMK, and joining hands with its long-time political rival only to remain in power could weaken its broader political narrative.
He added that the same questions would apply to the AIADMK as well, as the party had spent decades positioning itself against the DMK and such an arrangement could create discomfort among its cadre and supporters.
Drawing a comparison with Maharashtra politics in 2019, Nair said he had expressed similar views when the Shiv Sena formed an alliance with the Indian National Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party after the Assembly elections.
He said post-poll alliances between long-standing political rivals often create a public perception that ideology and electoral mandates become secondary when political power equations come into play.
Nair also said such developments increase public cynicism towards politics and reinforce the belief among voters that ideology is often sidelined after elections.
He maintained that the Tamil Nadu verdict was emphatic and said respecting both the spirit and substance of the mandate was important for the credibility of democratic politics.
