Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Sunday ended his day-old indefinite fast which he started here for the restoration of peace in his state rocked by violence during a farmers' agitation.
Making a slew of announcements before hundreds of farmers, Chouhan said a high-level probe will be ordered to establish those behind the violence in Mandsaur because "they were definitely not farmers but shaitan (devils) and haivan (beasts) who tried to defame Madhya Pradesh and they will not be spared".
He also said that the chief minister met farmers' leaders on June 4 and assured that their problems will be resolved.
The violence by Madhya Pradesh farmers in Mandsaur has spilled over to several other districts, including the Malwa-Nimad area and even reached the state capital. While five died in police firing on Tuesday, the sixth succumbed on Friday to injuries suffered during a baton charge in Mandsaur.
"I will be available at the Dussehra Maidan. When more protests took place, other people were also beaten up and another farmer was killed", Singh said.
BJP leader GVL Narasimha Rao said,"Shivraj Chouhan ji is known as the friend of the farmers and we all know that Madhya Pradesh has delivered the best results in the agricultural sector". By sitting on a fast can he correct it?
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"Chouhan should tell people whether his fast is a "nautanki" (drama), an event or an act of repentance for his misdeeds that "set the state on fire", State Congress' chief spokesperson K K Mishra said".
Chouhan, under attack over the agitation during which five farmers were killed in a police firing, earlier said the government stood firm with the farmers. "Will Prime Minister Narendra Modi fulfill his promise of providing 50 per cent profit over the cost of production", said Surjewala.
Later, a delegation of Shiv Sena met Chouhan and suggested ways, including a loan waiver, to end the farmers unrest. Large number of farmers from various districts of the State took part in the fast, along with the Chief Minister. He said that Government is with the affected farmers' families.
The Opposition has slammed Chouhan's decision to go on a fast.
The central government is in touch with states such as Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Maharashtra, and sensitising them against any possible protest by farmers.
As a Chief Minister, he must address the concerns, issues, and battles his way to restore peace in the state.
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