Chouhan to start padyatra on February 22

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will resort to Gandhian mode of protest to raise the issue of inadequate supply of coal to the state's thermal power stations resulting in less production of electricity causing hardship to farmers.

Chouhan will undertake a 'padyatra´ (foot-march) from Sarni in Betul district to Pathakhada coal mines, a 7-km-long march on February 22, where he will dig out coal with a shovel to demand the state's share of coal from the Centre, BJP sources said.

Before heading for the foot-march, Chouhan will undertake a roadshow from Bhopal to Sarni and address a series of meetings to highlight the issue of shortage of coal due to inadequate allocation of fuel from the Centre, sources said.

The roadshow will commence from tomorrow at the BJP's state headquarter after seeking blessings from the party's founders, Chouhan will embark on his two-day long journey by road up to Sarni.

Enroute, Chouhan will address public meetings at Mandideep, Obaidullaganj, Budni, Hoshangabad and Itarsi on Saturday.