Facing criticism over the killing of farmers in Madhya Pradesh, chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday appealed for peace even as he accused the opposition Congress party of instigating violence during a protest in Mandsaur district.
Five people were killed --- allegedly by law enforcement officials --- after the farmers’ agitation turned violent, prompting the authorities to clamp curfew in the trouble-hit area. Hundreds had gathered at Pipalia town as part of a 10-day demonstration for higher crop prices that cover their input costs, a loan waiver and a farm package to tide over losses incurred by drought.
“In the past 11 years, there have been countless decisions made for the welfare of farmers. The various demands of the farmers have been fulfilled,” Chouhan told news agency ANI.
He ordered a judicial probe into the killings after holding a meeting with senior civil and police officers. The CM announced an aid of Rs 1 crore each to the victims’ families. He said those injured will get Rs 5 lakh each.
{{/usCountry}}He ordered a judicial probe into the killings after holding a meeting with senior civil and police officers. The CM announced an aid of Rs 1 crore each to the victims’ families. He said those injured will get Rs 5 lakh each.
{{/usCountry}}But the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party came down heavily on the BJP-led state government.
Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi said the government was at war with farmers and “feeding” them with bullets for demanding their rights.
Senior Congress leader and Chhindwara MP Kamal Nath said: “The farmers’ agitation has started the process of dislodging of the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government in the state.”
AAP Madhya Pradesh in-charge Gopal Rai said the incident reflected anti-farmer mentality of the BJP, who remembered farmers only during elections. “They have not been able to fulfil a single poll promise made during the elections.”
Reaching out to the farmers, CM Chouhan said those killed on Tuesday were “our people”. “I can understand the pain of their families,” he said, promising a government job each to the families of the victims.
“Please maintain peace. The government is with farmers,” Chouhan said, reiterating some people were trying to vitiate the atmosphere.