M.P. farmers' protest: Shivraj Singh Chauhan to go on fast

“I appeal to the farmers to come forward and discuss all the issues with me,” the Chief Minister said

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan reiterated that his government was willing to help the farmers in distress.

Faced with criticism after the police killed five protesting farmers triggering large scale arson and rioting in western Madhya Pradesh, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan announced on Friday that he would go on an indefinite fast from Saturday in an attempt to restore peace in the State.

The Chief Minister would also be leaving the Vallabh Bhawan (Secretariat) and go to the open grounds to speak to the agitating farmers. “I am not emotionless and therefore, I will undertake a fast at the Dussehra ground on Saturday from 11 a.m.,” he told a press conference in Bhopal.

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“I appeal to the farmers to come forward and discuss all the issues with me.”

Mr. Chauhan said the State authorities would firmly deal with those trying to disturb the peace. His fast was an attempt to ensure peace was restored at a time when “some elements are out to push the State into violence to realise their political goals.”

He, however, reiterated that his government was willing to help the farmers in distress.

“The State government is always ready for talks with farmers. I appeal to the farmers to maintain calm. Only talks can end the differences,” Mr. Chauhan had said on Thursday.