Farmers' strike highlights: Maharashtra govt announces loan waiver to farmers; Madhya Pradesh CM Chouhan ends fast

Farmers in Rajasthan observe bandh in solidarity with Madhya Pradesh protesters 

Farmers restricted milk, grain and vegetable supply in several districts of Rajasthan on Sunday in support of a ‘bandh’ call given by the ‘Kisan Mahapanchayat’ to express support for their counterparts in neighbouring Madhya Pradesh. The Rajasthan farmers also pressed on with their demands for better remuneration for their produce with the state authorities. Read more here .

Sainath throws light on women farmers, who are often excluded from farmers issues 

“A large numbers of women farmers have committed suicides, but are registered as women’s suicides,” P Sainath mentions, adding that over 60% of the agriculture in India is done by women but their names don’t come on to the broadcast. He states that this compromises the data related to farmer suicides. He adds that “‘Load on women farmer has grown exponentially, and we refuse to acknowledge her as a farmer.”

Sainath discusses how water issues aggravated the farmers’ crisis

“Who gets to control water? If you privatise it, you’re dead,” Sainath puts it bluntly. Regarding the droughts that the nation has faced in the past two years, the journalist said that the government and the media blames lack of rain, but in fact it is ground water depletion that is culminating to a water crisis. He also highlighted the inequality of usage in rural and urban area. Some other alarming facts that he mentioned were that poor women pay 45 paise per litre of water, while factories get water at 4 paise. Similarly, alcohol and beer factories get 4 paise per litre water while poor citizens have to pay much more for water from tankers. 

'Who gets to control water? If you privatise it, you're dead' @PSainath_org 'Why are our farmers angry' https://t.co/2MBPEFisNo

— Aparna Karthikeyan (@AparnaKarthi) June 11, 2017

The Wire speaks to the family members of Ghanshyam, a farmer who was killed in the Mandsaur protests. 

Desi breeds have been declining quite sharply in last 10, 20 years: P Sainath

'Desi breeds have been declining quite sharply in the last 10, 20 years' @PSainath_org https://t.co/2MBPEFisNo

— Aparna Karthikeyan (@AparnaKarthi) June 11, 2017

New cattle rules are hitting lower castes, small farmers, landless and religious minorities: P Sainath

New cattle rules are hitting lower castes, small farmers, landless & religious minorities @PSainath_org @PARInetwork https://t.co/gZnrLPWNOT

— Goi Monitor (@GoiMonitor) June 11, 2017

Desi breeds of cattle will be lost over time because of cow slaughter ban: P Sainath

@PSainath_org : Desi breeds of cattle will be lost over time because of the cow slaughter ban. @PARInetwork https://t.co/A8GeDctMnw

— Namita Waikar नमिता वाईकर نمیتا وائکر (@NamitaWaikar) June 11, 2017

Govt should hold special Parliamentary session to solve agrarian crisis: P Sainath

“I have been making appeals on how we need a special 10-day Parliamentary session just devoted to the agrarian crisis, to debate the study of Swaminathan Commission report, and to give one day to listen to testimonies from farmers and widows of those who have committed suicides. Input cost, the price of milk and other things could be clearly discussed during such a session,” he said.

Farm loans between Rs 1-10 crore has gone up: P Sainath

@PSainath_org : Loans 1 - 10 crore & above in agri sector have gone up... Small farmer loans below 5 Lac going downhttps://t.co/A8GeDctMnw

— Namita Waikar नमिता वाईकर نمیتا وائکر (@NamitaWaikar) June 11, 2017

The excuse that GM will increase productivity is nonsense | P Sainath

@PSainath_org :The excuse GM will increase productivity is nonsense. FAO reports 2014-15 70% food fm family farms https://t.co/A8GeDctMnw

— Namita Waikar नमिता वाईकर نمیتا وائکر (@NamitaWaikar) June 11, 2017

No chance in farm policy between BJP UPA: P Sainath

According to P Sainath, there has not been any gigantic difference between the UPA and BJP in terms of farm policy. 

“A farmer is not just a farmer, he or she is a family person with medical costs. Rising medical costs is an important cause of family deaths in rural areas. Apart from not earning as much as production costs, this is another problem they have to deal with,” he says.

Hardik Patel may leave for Mandsaur on 13 June

PTI reports that Patidar quota stir leader Hardik Patel is likely to leave for Mandsaur, the epicentre of the farmers’ stir in Madhya Pradesh, with his supporters on Tuesday. Gehrilal Dangi, district president of Patel Navnirman Sena said that whether the administration allows it is uncertain. He added that the Patidar community in Gujarat and Rajasthan stands in support of the Madhya Pradesh farmers.

Sainath discusses oversight in loan waiver

Regarding loan waivers, Sainath discussed a crucial oversight that hasn’t been addressed by the Centre or the State governments, “The bulk of farmer debt is private debt from money-lenders, not bank debts which are waived.” He also added that farmer organisations realised this in 2008 when loan waiver which benefitted only benefitted Western Maharashtra.

Sainath attacks politicisation of agricultural issues

Sainath attacks the politicisation of agricultural issues, “Every government – not BJP, no INC. Every government has allowed corporations to run amok.” He also questions the media, mentioning that some newspapers carried Modi’s agricultural achievement on the same day that they carried news about the killing of farmers. “The agrarian crisis is much larger than farmers suicide,” Sainath says emphatically. 

He also speaks of how crop prices are increasing while germination rate is getting lowered. “Minimum germination rate of seeds has been lowered from 80% earlier to 60% now to favour corporations,” Sainath states. 

Sainath also suggests that a 10 day special session is required in the Parliament to discuss medical, education input costs for farmers.

Minimum germination rate of seeds has been lowered from 80% earlier to 60% now to favour corporations @PSainath_org @PARInetwork

— Goi Monitor (@GoiMonitor) June 11, 2017

P Sainath on the overarching agricultural crisis that triggered farmers’ protests across India  

“Loan waivers are a tool, they are not a transformation. They are a mechanism, a relief, not an answer,” Sainath begins in his live stream about the farmer crisis in India. “Do not try understanding farm crisis through episodic situations which are manifestations of the crisis,” Sainath states as he explains that the protest in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh were manifestations of the overarching agricultural crisis, and not the crisis itself. “Try understanding the farm crisis through the lives of farmers, agricultural labourers, lives dependent on farming,” he adds.

How overconfident BJP failed to see farmers’ discontent, mishandled agitation

Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Chouhan calls himself ‘Kisan Putr’ (farmer’s son). In rallies after rallies, he repeats it and says that farmers’ pain is his pain. But for days, when farmers were protesting across the state, his government remained in denial. The farmers were agitating, throwing agricultural produce on the roads and confronting the police.

And yet Chouhan, the astute politician, who is believed to have his hand on the pulse of the people, couldn’t fathom the extent of farmers’ anger. Read more here .

Congress demands the central government to formulate a national policy on farm loans

Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee President G Parameshwara said that if there was a national policy on farm loans, all states which now have different policies, would follow it. There would be uniformity in approach by both central and state governments when they waive such loans, he added. “We in Karnataka are committed to address farmers issues. Central government should formulate a national policy in this regard so that state’s also follow it. I demand a national policy on these kinds of issues,” Parameshwara said. He reiterated Karnataka’s demand that the Centre first waive loans availed by farmers through nationalised banks, adding that such loans attained through state-run cooperative banks were very small compared to nationalised banks. Read more here .

Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s comments after breaking his fast

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan ended his indefinite fast, which he launched on Saturday in Bhopal, for the “restoration of peace in his state rocked by agitation of farmers and violence”. He broke his fast at Dussehra Maidan in Bhopal. “People whose property & vehicles have been charred & vandalised will be provided with compensation,” the chief minister said at the event. Former chief minister Kailash Joshi offered Chouhan coconut water to help him break his two-day-old fast. “I will not let MP be inflicted with violence at any cost. Madhya Pradesh is the epitome of peace, it will always be so…The violence in Mandsaur will be investigated thoroughly & people involved in it will be punished,” he added. He also stated that the government will try to provide loans at 0 percent interest rate to farmers who cannot pay interests. Regarding MSP, Chouhan said, “Agricultural products at less than the minimum support price will be treated as a crime.”  

The violence in #Mandsaur will be investigated thoroughly & people involved in it will be punished: CM @ChouhanShivraj #Shivraj4Peace pic.twitter.com/lzC9DIQe8N

— Chief Minister, MP (@CMMadhyaPradesh) June 11, 2017

Former Agriculture Secretary Siraj Hussain cites poor returns as reason for distress among farmers 

“Farmers are not getting fair/remunerative prices for their farm produce, especially pulses, as prices have come down. They want higher MSP (Minimum Support Price). At present, only paddy, wheat and sugarcane get the right MSP. The government should bring reforms in the markets,” Hussain said to IANS.

Maharashtra govt to provide relief to around 31 lakh farmers through loan waiver

The Maharashtra government announced loan waiver to farmers with less than five acres of land. This decision was reportedly taken on Sunday at a marathon four-hour meeting at Sahyadri Guest House in Mumbai. This decision will provide relief to around 31 lakh farmers, according to a source. The farmers will be eligible for new loans from 12 June, the source added. Read more about the loan waiver here .

Reports of possible farmer protests in Uttar Pradesh 

National president of the Bhartiya Kisan Union (Harpal group) told PTI that his organisation would be launching a sit-in in Gonda block in Uttar Pradesh on Monday. Three main demands pertain to issue of land dispute with Haryana, procurement price for potato and also arrest of those policemen responsible for killing farmers in police firing in neighbouring Madhya Pradesh. He warned that if these issues are not resolved then the BKU would start a “Jail Bharo” agitation. The dispute with Haryana started more than a decade back in Tappal Tehsil when the river Yamuna, which is the boundary between the two states, changed its course.

RSS-affiliated BKS blame farmers’ strike on central policies

“Farmers were not the Central government’s priority”, Bharatiya Kisan Sangh National Secretary Mohini Mohan Mishra said to PTI , stating that they are given higher prices for crops and farm produce. “The Centre is more concerned about consumers and rising prices of food items than farmers. They are not a priority for the government,” Mishra added.

Farmers’ organisation Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghtana says that if the Maharashtra government fails to meet their demands, they will resume protests from 25 July

Govt promised loan waiver & fulfill other demands. If they fail, will again agitate from July 25: Raju Shetti, Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghtana

— ANI (@ANI) June 11, 2017

Medha Patkar and Yogendra Yadav speak up following detention 

“We wanted to meet the families of deceased farmers peacefully and honour them by giving them a letter and soil brought from different parts of the country but we were not allowed to go,” Yogendra Yadav said to PTI. He added that the government should waive farmers’ loans, and they should get the right price for their agricultural produce. He also demanded a probe into the death of the six people who have died during the farmers’ agitation so far.

Medha Patkar said that, “We are being told that if we go to Mandsaur, peace may get disturbed. We are unable to understand how it will affect the peace…We are not going there for any protest or demonstration, we just wanted to meet the deceased farmers’ family,” she said.

Sachin Pilot announces that Congress will have state-wide demonstrations in Rajasthan

Congress to have a state-wide demonstration on June 14, across all 33 districts of Rajasthan in support of the farmers demands: Sachin Pilot pic.twitter.com/j89xe4cF7v

— ANI (@ANI) June 11, 2017

Maharashtra government announces loan waiver; farmer leaders decide to call off protests on Monday

The Maharashtra state government made the announcement following talks with striking farmers’ on Sunday. This news arrives two after Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis set up a six-member Special Group of Ministers group to tackle farmers’ protest demands.

Agricultural expert Devinder Sharma states impoverishment of agriculture industry triggered protests

Devinder Sharma opined to IANS that the government did not want to provide more income to farmers since it was not in tune with its economic reform policies. “Over the years, the government has deliberately impoverished the agriculture sector. Our economic policymakers are pushing people in agriculture to cities to get cheaper labour for industrial infrastructure and to keep food prices low so inflation does not increase,” Sharma contended. “Indian agriculture is not in tune with the economic reforms. More agricultural income means economic revival of farmers. That is what the government does not want. They want people to move out of agriculture,” he added.

P Sainath speaks about farmers’ protests 

“From farmers being shot dead in Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh, to those across Maharashtra now out on the streets in protest, to those from Tamil Nadu on hunger strike in New Delhi not so long ago, this has been a season of agrarian discontent. Why is this happening, which way will it go?,” P Sainath discuss the developments in the agriculture sector across India.

Yogendra Yadav on his police detention

“We have been detained by police at Ratlam Mandsaur border. Not served any orders. There is no curfew. We were ready to comply with 144. Yet,” Yogendra Yadav tweeted about his detention. Along with Yadav, Medha Patkar, Swami Agnivesh, Paras Saklecha, Dr Sunilam, Avik Saha and JNUSU President Mohit Kumar Pandey were also detained. 

Being taken in a police bus towards Ratlam. Group includes medha Patkar, Swami Agnivesh, Paras Saklecha, dr Sunilam, Avik saha, JNUSU pres https://t.co/eOeciL41om

— Yogendra Yadav (@_YogendraYadav) June 11, 2017

Yogendra Yadav, Medha Patkar and Swami Agnivesh detained in Ratlam

A senior police official told Firstpost that in this volatile situation the administration can’t allow any kind of politicking. He further added that Yogendra Yadav’s political outfit Swaraj India circulated a message on social media on 6 June that 10 farmers got killed in police firing at Mandsaur. “It is completely wrong. This kind of rumours adds fuel to fire, " the official remarked at the spot.

Madhya Pradesh farmers' agitation: Yogendra Yadav, Medha Patkar and Swami Agnivesh arrested in Ratlam's Jaora under section 151. pic.twitter.com/MKs9qRPwp8

— ANI (@ANI) June 11, 2017

Police stops Yogendra Yadav, Swami Agnivesh and Medha Patkar from entering Mandsaur 

Just now police have stopped Yogendra Yadav, Swami Agnivesh, Medha Patkar and other activists at Ghogra which is on the Ratlam-Mandsaur border from entering Mandsaur. They were coming after holding a press conference at Ratlam. Yogendra Yadav and others were supposed me the farmers and families of deceased. Mandsaur police said that considering the law & order situation in Mandsaur, which continues to be volatile, they can’t be allowed right now.

Shivraj Singh Chouhan ends ‘indefinite’ fast

Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Sunday ended his indefinite fast , which he launched on Saturday in Bhopal for restoration of peace in his state rocked by agitation of farmers and violence.

Former Chief Minister Kailash Joshi offered Chouhan coconut water to help him break his two-day-old fast at the Dussehra Maidan. Chouhan started his fast on Saturday in the wake of violence that marred the farmers’ protest strike from 1 June, launched to press their demand for a debt waiver and better prices for farm produce.

After breaking his fast, CM @ChouhanShivraj meeting & collecting memorandums from farmers who have come from across the state.#Shivraj4Peace pic.twitter.com/pNEeYBOXaI

— Chief Minister, MP (@CMMadhyaPradesh) June 11, 2017

No hope on the horizon for families of youth killed in police firing

Abhishek Patidar, 17, and Chain Ram Patidar, 23 — sons of small farmers from Mandsaur district in Madhya Pradesh — dreamt of different careers for themselves. While one aspired to be a doctor, the second wanted to join the army. But their lives were tragically cut short on 6 June, when bullets fired by the police shattered the dreams of the two youth and their families. The two, along with four others protesters, were killed in police firing. The rest, as they say, is history. Read the complete report here .

Curfew relaxed for 12 hours in Mandsaur

Authorities have relaxed curfew in Mandsaur for 12 hours, from 8 am to 8 pm on Saturday, in view of the situation improving in the region following violent protests. The curfew, which was imposed after five people were killed in police firing during a farmers’ protest on 6 June, was relaxed for 12 hours in five police station areas of the district. Internet services, however, remained suspended in the area. “If the situation remains normal, curfew will be withdrawn tomorrow (Sunday),” said district collector OP Srivastava said.

Mandsaur wears a peaceful look again

Mandsaur, the epicentre of the farmers’ agitation in Madhya Pradesh, remained peaceful on Saturday, with markets reopening and locals stepping out to stock essentials such as vegetables and milk.

— PTI

Deeply pained by agitations: Chouhan

“I’m deeply pained and anguished by the agitations. Urge farmers to discuss their problems with me in person,” said Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan

‘I will eat no food till all protests end’

“I will have only water from now till all violence ends. Till the protests are raging, I will not eat any solid food,” said CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan in Madhya Pradesh, while launching his fast.

Stop the violence, Shivraj Chouhan urges Madhya Pradesh’s farmers

“It’s not correct to burn vehicles, vandalise police stations. Children are now throwing stones at the State. The police is to maintain your security, they are never going to assault the innocent people,” said Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, urging protesting farmers to shed violent means.

Every farm in the state receives water, says Chouhan

किसानों के कल्याण में कोई कसर नहीं छोड़ेंगे। आज हर खेत को पानी मिल रहा है: सीएम @ChouhanShivraj #Shivraj4Peace pic.twitter.com/u52hCCv7b1

— Chief Minister, MP (@CMMadhyaPradesh) June 10, 2017

Interest loan rates reduces for MP farmers, says Chouhan

18% से कृषि ऋण पर ब्याज दर घटाकर माइनस में कर दिया। एक लाख ले जाओ, 90 हज़ार दे जाओ। यह कहीं और नहीं होता है: सीएम #Shivraj4Peace pic.twitter.com/l0UZCNocS3

— Chief Minister, MP (@CMMadhyaPradesh) June 10, 2017

Country cannot progress without its farmers, says Shivraj Singh Chouhan

“Our ultimate aim is progress of the state. Since the formation of the state, we have been dependent on our farmers. The state or the country cannot progress without its farmers,” says Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, while beginning his indefinite fast in Bhopal.

Mandsaur violence ‘horrific’, Rahul Gandhi should visit immediately, says Congress

Speaking with Times Now, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has described the incidents taking place in Mandsaur as “horrific”. He said Rahul Gandhi is leader of the Congress party, and should be allowed to visit the area immediately.

Chouhan will sit on a “fast for peace”

Madhya Pradesh farmers' agitation: CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan reaches Bhopal's Dussehra Maidan to sit on fast "for peace" #Mandsaur pic.twitter.com/5QJW20nI3D

— ANI (@ANI) June 10, 2017

Shivraj Chouhan begins fast to ’express solidarity’

Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has reached Bhopal’s Dussehra Maidan, where he will observe a hunger fast to express solidarity with protesting farmers.

Chief minister invites farmers to talk to him and find a solution

I will be sitting at Dussehra Maidan in BHEL from 11 AM tomorrow. I request people to come up to me with their problems: CM @ChouhanShivraj pic.twitter.com/FnXmqpt2fC

— Chief Minister, MP (@CMMadhyaPradesh) June 9, 2017

Congress leader Sachin Pilot slams BJP government, calls it a ‘failure’

“In Madhya Pradesh, farmers have been caned and fired upon but the government is not ready to talk to them and solve the issues… Farmers commit suicide, and the agriculture minister engages in Yoga, this government is a complete failure… Ministers forget their promises after coming to their posts,” Pilot said.

He said an atmosphere was being created whereby anybody who is opposed to the BJP is treated as an “anti-national” by the Central government.

Farmers torch vehicles near Bhopal

People have given the protest of farmers a very bad shape: Chouhan

People have given the protest of farmers a very bad shape. Such anti-social elements will be dealt stringently: CM @ChouhanShivraj pic.twitter.com/oQqpUQm2tG

— Chief Minister, MP (@CMMadhyaPradesh) June 9, 2017

Youngsters were forced into stone-pelting & creation of untoward situation. People behind this will face consequences: CM @ChouhanShivraj pic.twitter.com/qXYHouqkmr

— Chief Minister, MP (@CMMadhyaPradesh) June 9, 2017

Madhya Pradesh messed up handling the situation in Mandsaur

First, it could’ve been vigilant and heeded the simmering discontent over farm loan waivers. Second, the law enforcement agency could’ve moved in early and curtailed the said violent outbreak given its potential for unleashing the sort of political mischief that we’re now witnessing. Third, because the Shivraj Singh Chouhan-led government in Madhya Pradesh didn’t quite act with the requisite alacrity, it allowed the situation to spread to Maharashtra and Rajasthan.

Read more here .

Chouhan to fast unless a solution is found to the farmers’ crisis

Chouhan to work from bhel dussehra maidan from Saturday

Farmers will not be given separate loans for Kharif and Rabi crops: Chouhan

I understand the plight of the farmers: Shivraj Chouhan

“Law and order is our priority. It is our duty to provide security to the people. There will be no compromise with security. I want to appeal to all the protesters to come and talk with us. I have decided that from 11 am tomorrow, I will sit and talk to the farmers,” says Chouhan.

Congress leader Ashok Gehlot attacks Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his silence

PM Modi's silence on killing of #farmers in #MP is deafening. #Mandsaur #MadhyaPradesh #FarmersFaceBullets #BJPkillsFarmers

— Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) June 9, 2017

Shivraj Chouhan announces measures to assuage farmers

तुअर, मूंग और उड़द की खरीदी एक ही केंद्र से होगी। 80 खरीदी केंद्र बन चुके हैं। 30 जून तक एक से डेढ़ लाख मीट्रिक टन तुअर खरीदी संभव है।

— Chief Minister, MP (@CMMadhyaPradesh) June 9, 2017

Farmer allegedly commits suicide in Madhya Pradesh

A farmer in Madhya Pradesh committed suicide after failing to repay his debts. 40-year-old Krishan Meena from Raisen district killed himself after he allegedly failed to pay off his loans and electricity bills. However, the police said Meena died due to illness.

“Krishan Meena has committed suicide. He was not keeping well for the past five years. A judicial inquiry has been ordered,” said Kotwali police station in-charge.

Congress politicising the agitation: Venkaiah Naidu

​

“The Congress is disgruntled and frustrated at the success of the NDA government and unnecessarily politicising and instigating violence in Mandsaur, the scene of the farmers’ stir,” Naidu said. 

Farmers burn effigy of Shivraj Chouhan in Bhopal

Farmers in Bhopal burnt the effigy of Chief Minister Shivraj Chouhan and damaged vehicles, according to Hindustan Times. Police has bolstered security arrangements around the Bhopal border to stop farmers from marching to the state capital.

Protest spreads to Bhopal

The farmers’ agitation reached the doorsteps of Bhopal on Friday with incidents of arson and stone-pelting reported in Fanda area. Police baton-charged the protesters and arrested at least 27 of them in the area. The arrested include 19 Congress workers. Police also arrested eight others who were allegedly pelting stones.

PTI

Trying to disperse crowd in a peaceful manner,arrested 8 people who were pelting stones;highway open,traffic diverted:Raman Singh,DIG Bhopal pic.twitter.com/lgx0TlpxJv

— ANI (@ANI) June 9, 2017

Congress slams BJP over Rahul Gandhi’s detention

Congress spokesperson Gaurv Gogoi criticised the BJP government for restricting Rahul Gandhi’s Mandsaur visit. “Under the BJP regime, the basic democratic rights of the people and opposition parties are scuttled. Whenever any incident happens it is the duty of the opposition parties to visit the area and express solidarity with the victims. But Rahul Gandhi was stopped,” Gogoi told reporters.

Vehicles set on fire in Bhopal-Indore highway

Farmers' protest continues in Madhya Pradesh, vehicles set on fire- Visuals from Bhopal-Indore Highway in Fanda. pic.twitter.com/EN2P8BxbVE

— ANI (@ANI) June 9, 2017

Madhya Pradesh's farmers' agitation: A farmer succumbs to his injuries in Indore hospital, wife attempts suicide on hearing news #Mandsaur

— ANI (@ANI) June 9, 2017

Mandsaur: Policemen allegedly beat 26-year-old farmer to death

Ghanashyam Dhakad , a 26-year-old farmer died in Badavan village on Thursday evening in Mandsaur district. The locals claim that Dhakad was beaten up by policemen. However, police said the circumstances of his death were unclear and they were investigating the matter.

Madhya Pradesh: A farmer Srikrishna Meena, having debt of Rs. 10 lakhs, allegedly committed suicide by consuming poison in Raisen's Sanchi.

— ANI (@ANI) June 9, 2017

Rajnath Singh breaks silence on farmers’ unrest

Attending an event in Jaipur, Home Minister Rajnath Singh broke his silence on the ongoing farmers’ protest in Madhya Pradesh. Farmers in Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra have been up in arms as well over neglect meted out by the state governments. 

In an attempt to soothe frayed tempers, Rajnath said, “Jab tak Hindustan ka kisaan dhanvaan nahi hota, tab tak Hindustan ko dhanvaan banane ki kalpana humari poori nahi ho sakti (Unless the Indian farmer is wealthy, we cannot dream of a wealthy India). Our Prime Minister had said that our efforts will be on to double the farmers’ income by 2022.”

Jab tak Hindustan ka kisaan dhanvaan nahi hota, tab tak Hindustan ko dhanvaan banane ki kalpana humari poori nhi ho skti: HM Rajnath Singh pic.twitter.com/c5GWkC4jIn

— ANI (@ANI) June 9, 2017

Our Prime Minister had said that our efforts will be on to double the farmers' income by 2022: Home Minister Rajnath Singh in Jaipur pic.twitter.com/ISiJlqO5p8

— ANI (@ANI) June 9, 2017

'Rail-roko' protest by Youth Congress against firing on farmers in #Mandsaur, at Tilak Bridge railway station in Delhi pic.twitter.com/MdNWmeBggf

— ANI (@ANI) June 9, 2017

Tamil Nadu farmers revive protest: Meet demands or face all-India unrest

As curfew relaxes in Madhya Pradesh, farmers in Tamil Nadu revive their protest after chief minister E Palaniswamy failed to deliver the assurances he made after the first round of protests in Delhi.

Reports suggest that farmers will protest wearing the bare minimum — with their hands and leg tied to iron rods. Speaking to ANI, the leader of the farmers’ association said, “We will be here for 32 days and we will continue to sit if problem is not solved by then. We will expand agitation all over India, if need be.” Reiterating their demand for Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu E Palaniswamy, the farmers told the government to keep their promise of withdrawing case from Supreme Court. “Give pension to farmers above 60 years.”

Tamil Nadu farmers resume their protest, farmers leader says "keep the promise, withdraw case from SC. Give pension to farmers above 60 yrs" pic.twitter.com/F6E0knoHUb

— ANI (@ANI) June 9, 2017

We will be here for 32 days, will continue to sit here if problem is not solved by then. Will expand agitation all over India:Farmers leader pic.twitter.com/5jDEDtdL67

— ANI (@ANI) June 9, 2017

In images: Curfew relaxed in Mandsaur

Madhya Pradesh farmers' agitation: Curfew relaxed in #Mandsaur from 10 am to 6 pm. pic.twitter.com/VIYkqDyrxT

— ANI (@ANI) June 9, 2017

AAP’s Sanjay Singh takes jibe at Narendra Modi

AAP leader Sanjay Singh took a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 

At the SCO summit in Kazhakastan, Modi reportedly asked Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif about his family. Alleging insensitivity, Singh (in a tweet) hoped that the prime minister would ask how the agitating farmers were doing.

मोदी जी ने नवाज़ शरीफ़ की माँ और परिवार का हाल पूछा,काश PM साहेब देश में मर रहे किसान,जवान की माँ का हाल भी पूछ लेते। https://t.co/4NkrPyF0C4

— Sanjay Singh AAP (@SanjayAzadSln) June 9, 2017

5-member team of AAP to visit Mandsaur today

A five-member delegation of the Aam Aadmi Party will visit the farmers in Mandsaur today, Gopal Rai, convenor of the party’s Delhi unit, said. The delegations consists of senior party leaders Sanjay Singh, Ashutosh, Somnath Bharti, Bhagwant Mann and Sadhu Singh. The leaders will interact with the farmers.

“The Madhya Pradesh government is responsible for the killing of the farmers. The farmers were agitating for their demands that were nothing but promises of the BJP in the elections,” Rai said.

The party has demanded immediate arrest of officials who allegedly opened fire on the agitating farmers, besides waiver of loans of the farmers in the state.

RECAP: RAF and anti-riot paramilitary forces were deployed in Mandsaur district

In Mandsaur district where five farmers were killed in police firing on Tuesday, Rapid Action Force (RAF), the anti-riot paramilitary force rushed by the Centre, was deployed this morning. The Centre had rushed 1,100 personnel of the RAF to the violence-hit state on Thursday. At least 56 people have been arrested and over 100 detained in connection with violence during the farmers agitation here, police said.

RECAP: Rahul Gandhi was arrested but later released

The authorities on Thursday also prevented Rahul Gandhi and a number of other Congress leaders from entering Mandsaur. Gandhi travelled by air, by car, by motorcycle and by foot from Delhi to Neemuch district of Madhya Pradesh via Rajasthan before he was detained and arrested in Naya Gaon, about 70 kms from Mandsaur.

He slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the problems being faced by the farmers, evoking a sharp response from the BJP which termed his visit to Mandsaur as a “photo opportunity”.

No protests, rally or gathering will be allowed: Police

Curfew was relaxed for the day in Mandsaur city and Pipliamandi as the situation in the areas hit by violent protests by farmers improved. SP Manoj Kumar Singh said authorities decided to relax curfew from 10 am to 6 pm as the situation has improved.

However, no protest, rally or demonstration will be allowed during the curfew relaxation period, police said.

(Updates begin for 9 June)

Curfew to be relaxed in Mandsaur from 10 am to 6 pm: Reports

Will pressurise government till issue is resolved: Rahul Gandhi 

Rahul Gandhi met the families of the deceased farmers at Rajasthan border. “I am just here to tell them that they have my support. What’s controversy in that?,” he said.

Responding to BJP’s claims that Gandhi was using the strike for publicity, the Congress vice president said, “If I was allowed to visit the families, I would’ve easily met them. Now the government has troubled the families as well. The farmers are crying everywhere. BJP has lakhs, crores of money. We will put pressure on Madhya Pradesh and the Centre till the issue is resolved,”

Rahul Gandhi meets kin of deceased farmers

After being released from preventive custody, Rahul Gandhi met the family members of the farmers who were shot dead in the firing at Madhya Pradesh-Rajasthan border, NDTV reported.

Punjab: Farmers to stage protest on 12 Jun 

Amid protests in Madhya Pradesh, farmers in Punjab have decided to launch a statewide agitation on 12 June to press for debt waiver and implementation of the Swaminathan Commission’s report.

Seven outfits, including the Bharti Kisan Union (BKU)-Ugrahan, the BKU-Dakunda, the Krantikari Kisan Union, Kisan Sangharsh Committee, will stage sit-ins at all district headquarters of the state.

““We want the state government to announce debt waiver as soon as possible,” BKU (Ugrahan) general secretary Sukhdev Singh said on Thursday.

PTI

Visuals of curfew relaxed

Curfew has been relaxed in Mandsaur  district for two hours from 4pm to 6 pm on Thursday.  

Madhya Pradesh: Curfew relaxed in #Mandsaur from 4 pm to 6 pm today pic.twitter.com/oG948l7LqC

— ANI (@ANI) June 8, 2017

Rahul Gandhi released from preventive custody

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi has been released at the Rajashthan border, media reports said. He has been allowed to meet the families of the deceased farmers.

#FarmerFury - Rahul Gandhi has been released from preventive custody. He will be allowed to meet the family of the deceased farmer pic.twitter.com/vWsgPzCegE

— News18 (@CNNnews18) June 8, 2017

Mayawati extends support, slams BJP govt in Madhya Pradesh

Mayawati said the BJP’s attitude was not favourable towards the poor, labourers, farmers and other sections, in a statement on Tuesday.

This was the reason, she claimed, that the Modi government tried to bring a new land acquisition law to benefit the rich and force the farmers to give away their land.

“Farmers in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Haryana have been protesting as they want a fair price. But the administration in these BJP governed states fired bullets and attacked them with sticks,” Mayawati alleged.

PTI

Mandsaur incident should not be seen in isolation, says Bhupinder Singh Hooda

​

Former Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda on Thursday said the farmer unrest in Mandsaur ‘should not be seen in isolation’ as there is anger among cultivators because the BJP retracted on its poll promise to implement the Swaminathan Commission report.

“It is not the question of farmers of Madhya Pradesh alone. There is anger among farming community across the country,” Hooda, who was also the Chairman of Working Group on Agriculture Production during the previous Congress led UPA government, said.

Hooda urged the central government to intervene immediately to resolve the “crisis” gripping the farming community across the country.

Rajnath Singh urges calm

Addressing a press conference, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh claimed that the government is sensitive to farmers’ issues. “NDA-BJP ki sarkaar koi aisa kaam nahi karegi jisse kisaan aur aam aadmi ka bharosa tute (The NDA government will not take any steps that will disappoint the common man or the farmer),” he said.

“We know that the farmer is India’s biggest treasure. Farmers are the biggest producers and consumers of the country. If the farmer has enough money, other jobs can function,” he added.

NDA-BJP ki sarkaar koi aisa kaam nahi karegi jisse kisaan aur aam aadmi ka bharosa tute: Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh pic.twitter.com/VS6RpjzKpM

— ANI (@ANI) June 8, 2017

Rahul Gandhi to be released shortly

The Madhya Pradesh police will be taking Vice President Rahul Gandhi at the Madhya Pradesh-Rajasthan border to release him from custody, media reports said on Thursday. Gandhi will meet the family members of the deceased farmers on being released at the border.

Police stopping us from expressing solidarity: Sachin Pilot

“BJP should not cater to only a few vested interest. We are not any law-breakers. The family is one kilometer away from us. I think there is a lot of political pressure on the police,” Sachin Pilot told CNN News18.

“We just want to give condolences who have been shot dead. Who is responsible . You cannot detain people for showing solidarity,” he added.

Families of victims are hardly 1 Km away from us, they want to meet us but police is stopping them: Sachin Pilot to ANI #Mandsaur pic.twitter.com/6fygGE0uWJ

— ANI (@ANI) June 8, 2017

Rajasthan: Police to check if Rahul Gandhi violated traffic rules

The Rajasthan police said that it will examine whether traffic rules were violated by Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi, who visited the state on way to
Madhya Pradesh, on Thursday.

Superintendent of Police Chittorgarh, Prasanna Khamesra told PTI that Gandhi had travelled a few kilometres as a pillon rider on a motorcycle from Nimbaheda to up to the Madhya Pradesh border. At one point of time, it was reported that there were three passengers including Gandhi on the motorcycle. 

PTI

Congress calls Rahul Gandhi’s arrest ‘illegal’

Rajasthan Congress chief Sachin Pilot on Thursday claimed that the arrest of Rahul Gandhi was illegal. “Rahul Gandhi is only coming to meet the family of the deceased farmers, as opposed to the government. We are not breaking any law. In most parts of India, farmers are trying to be heard. The entire nation must get up and listen to the farmers,” Pilot told Times Now.

Won’t go back without meeting farmers: Rahul Gandhi

Rahul Gandhi spoke to family members of the deceased farmers’ on phone on Thursday, ANI reported. The Congress Vice President also reportedly claimed that he won’t return without meeting the protesting farmers.

Rahul Gandhi speaks to family members of deceased farmers' on phone; Sources say,he won't be returning without meeting the farmers #Mandsaur

— ANI (@ANI) June 8, 2017

Rahul Gandhi refuses to seek bail

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi who was arrested at Neemuch under Section 151 of the Indian Penal Code, declined to seek bail on Thursday, India Today reported.

Curfew in Mandsaur to be relaxed for women, children

The curfew which was imposed in Mandsaur district will be relaxed in for women and children from 4 pm to 6 pm on Thursday.

Madhya Pradesh: Curfew to be relaxed in #Mandsaur for women and children, from 4 pm to 6 pm today.

— ANI (@ANI) June 8, 2017

Rahul Gandhi accuses NDA government of being apathetic towards farmers

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi who was arrested after being detained on the Rajasthan-Madhya Pradesh Border, claimed on Thursday that he was stopped because his thoughts were not in sync with the RSS.

“I was just wanting to meet the farmers, who are the citizens of the country. PM could waive off 1.5 lakh crore of the rich but cannot do the same for our farmers,” he said.

Watch: #RahulGandhi detained by MP police says the Govt is apathetic towards the farmers- pic.twitter.com/qIb9BXoE2B

— Congress (@INCIndia) June 8, 2017

Shivraj Singh Chouhan appeals for peace

In a public telecast, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said, “My government is that of farmers, and of the public. I will work for the farmers and the public till my last breath.”

Chouhan admitted of having discussed the issue among his ministers. “We have now taken multiple decisions in the favour of the farmers. By holding a discussion (with the farmers), the issue can be resolved. But those who try to take advantage of the situation, we will definitely take action against them. Come, let’s together make Madhya Pradesh take the path of progress,” he added.

प्रिय बहनों,भाइयों नमस्कार! मेरी सरकार किसानों की सरकार है। जनता की सरकार है। मेरी जब तक साँस चलेगी,जनता और किसानों के लिए काम करता रहूँगा। pic.twitter.com/iICe0mNnmw

— Shivraj Singh Chouhan (@ChouhanShivraj) June 8, 2017

Rahul Gandhi arrested in Neemuch

​
Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi was arrested in Neemuch after being briefly detained on Thursday.

Gandhi was arrested under Section 151 of the Indian Penal Code — knowingly joining or continuing in assembly of five or more persons after it has been commanded to disperse.

#FLASH Rahul Gandhi arrested by Police in MP's Neemuch under Section-151 #Mandsaur pic.twitter.com/FwQpcAG9Q4

— ANI (@ANI) June 8, 2017

Indian Youth Congress demonstrates Rail Roko protest at Mumbai’s Ghatkopar railway station over farmer’s protest in Mandsaur

Maharashtra: Indian Youth Congress demonstrates Rail Roko protest at Mumbai's Ghatkopar railway station over farmer' protest in #Mandsaur pic.twitter.com/3D0Ko8vbRX

— ANI (@ANI) June 8, 2017

What was the emergency for Rahul Gandhi to go to Mandsaur, asks MP home minister

Madhya Pradesh government reacts to Rahul Gandhi’s detention and asks what was the emergency for the Congress leader to go there. “Rahul Gandhi has been detained. What was the emergency to go there now? He only wants to do politics,” ANI quoted state home minister Bhupendra Singh as saying.

He (Rahul Gandhi) has been detained. What was the emergency to go there now? He only wants to do politics: MP HM Bhupendra Singh #Mandsaur pic.twitter.com/zRGArgel8M

— ANI (@ANI) June 8, 2017

Meanwhile, in Uttar Pradesh

Welfare of farmers is welfare of country. Country's problems will resolve when farmers become part of agenda of politics: UP CM in Kanpur pic.twitter.com/0uTWlR32Uv

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) June 8, 2017

#FarmerFury -- Chief Minister @ChouhanShivraj should resign immediately, says @digvijaya_28 pic.twitter.com/ab4L9u9Ah0

— News18 (@CNNnews18) June 8, 2017

They arrested me without giving any reason, says Rahul Gandhi but was the forceful entry into Mandsaur necessary?

“The didn’t give any reason, just said they are arresting me. The same was done in Uttar Pradesh also,” Rahul Gandhi was quoted as saying by ANI. 

The more important question being raised at this point is that even though as an Indian citizen Rahul can definitely travel to any part of the country without any restriction, but at a time when the local police is grappling with a tense situation at hand, shouldn’t the Congress vice-president be a little less dramatic and not make farmers’ death into a political situation? 

The didn't give any reason, just said they are arresting me. The same was done in Uttar Pradesh also: Rahul Gandhi #Mandsaur pic.twitter.com/WZ605Kxx9I

— ANI (@ANI) June 8, 2017

Na kisaano ka karza maaf karte hain, na bonus dete; bas goliyaan dete hain: Rahul Gandhi #Mandsaur pic.twitter.com/Ax4T43aPBv

— ANI (@ANI) June 8, 2017

#FLASH: Rahul Gandhi detained by Police on his way to Neemuch in Madhya Pradesh #Mandsaur pic.twitter.com/e8YCWwAXSz

— ANI (@ANI) June 8, 2017

#FarmerFury -- Chief Minister @ChouhanShivraj should resign immediately, says @digvijaya_28 pic.twitter.com/ab4L9u9Ah0

— News18 (@CNNnews18) June 8, 2017

Sachin Pilot has been taken into preventive detention along with Rahul Gandhi

Farmers have been killed, I want to go there; PM has waived off loan of 1.5 lakh for rich but can't waive off loan for farmers: Rahul Gandhi pic.twitter.com/sNwCm6EZyi

— News18 (@CNNnews18) June 8, 2017

Narendra Modi is waving off businessman’s loan worth 1.5 lakh but cannot waive off loan of the farmers, alleges Rahul Gandhi

Aag laganey nahi, bujhane aye hain: Kamal Nath tells police

Senior Congress leader Kamal Nath, Digvijaya Singh and JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav get into altercation with the local police in Neemuch border. TV channels showed visuals of the three leaders arguing with the police who refused to let the leaders cross the police barricade. “We have imposed 144 in Neemuch. You cannot cross,” a cop tells the three leaders.

The leaders argue with the cops and tell them that they are just three people and that is not breaking any rule. Under Section 144, more than 5 people cannot gather in one place. Kamal Nath was heard telling one of the policemen, “We are here to soothe frayed tempers, not ignite them.”

#FarmerFury -- @digvijaya_28, Kamal Nath Singh and @SharadYadavMP stopped by MP police from entering Neemuch; @SachinPilot detained pic.twitter.com/DFCudFa7W4

— News18 (@CNNnews18) June 8, 2017

Rahul Gandhi taken in preventive detention for defying prohibitory orders by police

According to News18, Rahul Gandhi has been detained near the Neemuch border en route to violence-hit Mandsaur where he was to meet families of five people who died in police firing during farmers’ protests on Tuesday. Rahul tried to defy prohibitory orders by the Madhya Pradesh police. A while ago, the Congress leader was seen riding pillion on a bike and trying to enter Mandsaur despite clear police instructions advising him against it. 

An agitated Rahul, in fact, lashed out at the police and tried to breach the police barricade. As he made his way to the epicentre of the farmers’ protest, the local police in Madhya Pradesh made it clear that he will not be allowed to enter the district.

"

Gandhi reached Udaipur from Delhi in a chartered plane and left for Madhya Pradesh by road.In Nimaheda town of Chittorgarh district, he rode pillion for 5-7 km and reached close to the border. After the bike ride, he walked toward the border, IG Udaipur Anand Srivastava told PTI.

JUST IN -- Rahul Gandhi has been detained, taken into preventive custody (ETV) #FarmerFury pic.twitter.com/XC14Purn5S

— News18 (@CNNnews18) June 8, 2017

Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh govts are doing their best to prevent me from entering MP: Rahul Gandhi

After riding pillion on a bike to cross into Mandsaur, Rahul Gandhi took toTwitter and slammed the Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh governments for stopping him from entering into Madhya Pradesh. 

Raj & MP Govts are doing their best to prevent me from entering MP & meeting the families of the #farmers killed in #Mandsaur

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) June 8, 2017

What law of the land says that it is illegal to stand in solidarity with farmers who were killed simply for demanding what is their right?

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) June 8, 2017

Congress farmers’ union holds protest in Bengaluru

In Maharastra, a 45-year-old farmer from Karmala in Solapur, hanged himself on Wednesday. Angry relatives refused to cremate him.

Meanwhile, the Farmers Union of the Congress is protesting at Cantonment Railway Station of the city, News18 reports.

We will hold meeting soon: New Mandsaur DM

Speaking to ANI, new district magistrate of Mandsaur Om Prakash Srivastava said, “Give me two hours, we are holding meeting. If situation is better than yesterday, will give orders in one or two hours.” 

Give me 2 hrs, we are holding meeting. If situation is better than y'day,will give orders in 1-2 hr: Om Prakash Srivastava, new #Mandsaur DM pic.twitter.com/XmcFuxCEs4

— ANI (@ANI) June 8, 2017

Punjab farmers to discuss future course of action

The Bharatiya Kisan Union (Ugrahan) has announced that it will hold protests at all district headquarters in Punjab on Friday demanding a loan waiver, and the implementation of the Swaminathan Commission report. A key recommendation of the report is that the government must offer a ‘Minimum Support Price’, which will be at least 50 percent more than the total input cost, this report said. 

As per a report in The Indian Express , the Amarinder Singh government in Punjab has promised a loan waiver for farmers and set up an expert panel.

All eyes on Maharashtra farmers’ meet in Nashik

The farmers’ protests owes its genesis to Maharashtra, and it was here that the stir initially began on 1 June. On Thursday, Maharashtra’s farmers will hold a meeting to decide on the future course of action. Villagers of Puntamba, in Rahata taluka of Ahmednagar district, where the movement originated, said they will take a decision on whether to resume supplies of produce. Committee member Hansraj Wadghule was quoted by saying in The Indian Express that said farmers in Nashik will continue with their boycott until a fresh decision is taken.

Protests spill over to neighbouring Rajasthan, Punjab

Even before the Madhya Pradesh government’s efforts could bear fruit, protests already started in neighbouring Rajasthan.

A report in The Tribune had said farmers from Rajasthan’s Pratapgarh district had stopped the supply of milk and vegetables on Wednesday. A farmer’s body, Kisan Mahapanchayat, was planning to hold a dharna at Mandi Bandh in Pratapgarh on Thursday.

“We will be meeting farmers in Tonk, Sawai Madhopur, Kota Bundi, Bhilwara, Chhittorgarh, Pratapgarh and Ajmer in the next three days to decide future course of action,” said Rampal Jat, president of the body.

Former MLA and All India Kisan Sabha state president Pema Ram said the Rajasthan farmers will launch a state-wide agitation if the government fails to meet their demands. “Problem of farmers in Rajasthan are the same as that of those in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. We also want higher prices for milk, hike in minimum support price (MSP) and loan waiver. Farmers would submit memorandum to district collectors and the state government should take our ultimatum seriously,” he said. Read the full report here

Another farmer commits suicide in M'rashtra - 45-yr-old Dhanaji Chandrakant Jadhav hanged himself yesterday; Relatives refuse to cremate him pic.twitter.com/ME7Ox1QES4

— News18 (@CNNnews18) June 8, 2017

Indian National Congress tweets:

किसान पसीना बहाते हैं, पूरे देश को भोजन देते हैं लेकिन जब सरकार से अपना हक मांगते हैं तो वो उनका खून बहाकर मार देती है #FarmersLeaderRG pic.twitter.com/GaeQHOKKwf

— Congress (@INCIndia) June 8, 2017

Rahul defies police barricade

According to news channels, in an attempt to dodge the police, Rahul Gandhi rode pillion on a motorbike and tried to enter Mandsaur on Thursday. Dubbed it as a “bike stunt”, channels reported that Rahul defied the police barricade and asked the police, “Aap kaise rok sakte hain humein?" 

#WATCH Congress VP Rahul Gandhi travels by road on a motorcycle to Madhya Pradesh’s #Mandsaur pic.twitter.com/CWoUq0zpWS

— ANI (@ANI) June 8, 2017

Piplia Mandi town inspector removed from field duties

Town Inspector of Piplia Mandi Anil Singh Thakur removed from field duties in connection with the firing on farmers, says police. — PTI

62 people detained in connection with Mandsaur protest

Police said that 62 persons have been detained in connection with farmers’ protest in Mandsaur. — PTI

Chouhan announces sops

In a bid to cool frayed tempers, Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan held an emergency cabinet meeting and announced more sops for farmers. The Indian Express reported that the state government announced a loan settlement scheme for defaulters. The government also announced that a commission would be set up to fix a formula to ensure a fair price for crops by deducting agricultural costs.

He also apprised Prime Minister Narendra Modi of the situation. Modi then chaired a meeting with key ministers to discuss the situation in the state, reported Times Now.

Neemuch-Mhow highway barricaded by cops

The Neemuch-Mhow Highway has been barricaded by police which has stepped up security in the state and the areas bordering Rajasthan from where Rahul is set to enter Madhya Pradesh. 

In the wake of the protests which have spread to other districts, the government transferred Mandsaur Collector Swatantra Kumar Singh as deputy secretary Mantralaya. Singh was replaced with OP Shrivastava, official sources said. The government also transferred Mandsaur SP, OP Tripathi and posted Manoj Kumar Singh in place of him, the sources added.

Farmers on Wednesday had resorted to violence and arson in western Madhya Pradesh despite prohibitory measures, posing a major challenge for Chouhan and providing a rallying point for the opposition parties.

Police firing killed 5 farmers, confirms Madhya Pradesh govt

Madhya Pradesh home minister Bhupendra Singh told ANI that the death of the five farmers was due to police firing. “It has been established in probe,” Singh said. 

“It has been established from the investigations that five farmers had died due to police firing…The necessary decisions have been taken by Shivraj Singh Chouhan…I want to ask Congress when farmers are satisfied, then why Rahul Gandhi wants to come…We have accepted the demand put in by farmers,” says Madhya Pradesh home minister Bhupendra Singh.

Death of the 5 farmers was due to Police firing. It has been established in probe: MP HM Bhupendra Singh #Mandsaur pic.twitter.com/71p2LHp6Qx

— ANI (@ANI) June 8, 2017

Farmer in Nashik kills self over non-repayment of loan

Meanwhile, a farmer in Maharashtra’s Nashik committed suicide on Wednesday evening. He owed money to money lenders and banks.In the last two days, four farmers have committed suicide, reports said.

Madhya Pradesh Farmers' Protest: Toll plaza vandalised in #Mandsaur, Rs. 8-10 lakhs looted. pic.twitter.com/LW15R0k8QO

— ANI (@ANI) June 8, 2017

Agriculture minister Radha Mohan Singh sidelines protests in MP, says ‘yog andolan’ is underway

In a shocking comment, Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh, who is currently in Bihar for a yoga conference, told TV channels that “yog andoloan” is underway.

The minister’s insensitive remarks came when a journalist asked him about the protests in Madhya Pradesh. The minister is in Bihar as part of World Yoga Day celebrations.

Poverty and politics of loan waivers reek of cold-blooded populism

Writing for Firstpost , Kota Neelima, in this article points out that the waiving of the loan of a poor farmer is usually a patronising act of the state that discovers the farmers before every election and forgets them afterwards. 

Farmers are commonly blamed for borrowing when they know they cannot repay. Instead, the truth was that farmers did not take bank loans that they could not repay. Yet, it takes just one non-payment for the farmer to be declared a defaulter, and leave him vulnerable to the machinations of the private moneylenders.

These facts and figures have been killing the farmers in India since early 2000s and before. And yet, farm loans continue to be given at interest rates unaffordable for the farmer, despite the knowledge of the difficulties the farmers face in cultivation of almost every crop that grows in India. Read full report herer

Contingent of RAF deployed in Mandsaur district as the farmer’s protest enters day 8 

Contingents of Rapid Action Force (RAF) on Thursday were deployed in Madhya Pradesh’s violence-hit Mandsaur district where the situation remained tense. The farmers protest entered its eighth day on Thursday. 

Two companies of RAF, comprising around 100 men each, have moved into Piplya Mandi in Mandsaur, the site of Tuesday’s shooting of five farmers, police said. While two companies of RAF have been posted in Garoth area in the district, another two have been deployed along the Mwoh-Neemuch Highway to prevent any untoward incidents, they said. 

The situation is tense but under control, police said.

Police says won’t allow Rahul to enter; BJP say Congress vice-president ‘publicity hungry’

Even as Rahul’s cavalcade heads towards Mandsaur, local police made it clear that he will not be allowed to enter the district, PTI reports.

Rahul left on Thursday morning for Mandsaur district and plans to enter Madhya Pradesh from Rajasthan. However, Superintendent of Police of Neemuch Manoj Kumar Singh said the Congress leader will not be allowed to enter the violence-hit district where the situation remains tense. If the Congress leader tries to enter the district, he will be detained, the SP said.

The Congress yesterday termed as “coldblooded murder” the killing of five farmers in police firing in Madhya Pradesh and questioned the prime minister’s silence over it.

The Congress accused the BJP of “acting as a curse of death for Indian farmers”. Union Minister Narendra Singh Tomar said, as a responsible leader, Rahul shouldn’t go to Mandsaur till the situation stabilises, adding that Congress leader was only doing it because “he is publicity hungry”.

This photo-op tourism will not benefit Rahul Gandhi at all, says Union minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi

In Mandsaur, will Rahul repeat what he did in Saharanpur?

Congress launched a sharp attack on the BJP for letting down farmers, hours after Rahul Gandhi announced his travel plans on Twitter. “The BJP has almost been acting like a curse of death for Indian farmers, literally – not figuratively. Distressed farmers are viewed by heartless BJP virtually as fodder for opening fire upon,” Congress spokesman Abhishek Singhvi said, PTI reported.

During his Mandsaur visit, Rahul is expected to keep up the pressure — just as he did in Uttar Pradesh last month after the riots in Saharanpur, using the occasion to aim at the Yogi Adityanath government in Lucknow and the Modi government at the Centre. 

Will be in #Mandsaur tomorrow to meet the families of farmers who lost their lives in the police firing yesterday

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) June 7, 2017

Rahul Gandhi will not be allowed in violence-hit Mandsaur

As Rahul landed in Udaipur to travel to Mandsaur and nearby areas, SP, Neemuch SP Manoj Kumar Singh said that the Congress leader will not be allowed to visit any violence-hit areas in Madhya Pradesh.

Rahul is accompanied by Congress leaders including, Digvijaya Singh, Girija Vyas and Sachin Pilot, TV channels reported. Despite lack of permission, channels showed visuals of Rahul’s cavalcade advancing towards the Madhya Pradesh border.

Congress VP Rahul Gandhi reaches Udaipur Airport, to leave for MP’s #Mandsaur by road to meet kin of those killed during farmers’ agitation pic.twitter.com/7NfocOeb4E

— ANI (@ANI) June 8, 2017

Rahul Gandhi lands in Udaipur

​

A day after officials denied permission to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to attend the funeral of those who died in western Madhya Pradesh on Tuesday, the party vice-president landed at around 9.45 am on Thursday.

According to India Today, Rahul is headed to violence-hit areas to meet the aggrieved farmers and their families.

Angry mob vandalises toll booth at Mandsaur-Ujjain highway

As Madhya Pradesh government battled to contain the violent protests in Mandsaur, today a set of protesters ransacked the toll booth on Ujjain-mandsaur highway and later torched the structure, India Today TV reported.

Maha: Farmers marched to Vada's tehsildar with oxen & farming equipment to be given to CM & said will do farming for their family only (7/6) pic.twitter.com/RVpCzqBBbN

— ANI (@ANI) June 8, 2017

Om Prakash Srivastava appointed new collector of violence-hit Mandsaur

Madhya Pradesh Farmers' Protest: #Mandsaur collector Swatantra Kumar Singh transferred, Om Prakash Srivastava appointed new collector.

— ANI (@ANI) June 8, 2017

Om Prakash Srivastava appointed new collector of violence-hit Mandsaur

Madhya Pradesh Farmers' Protest: #Mandsaur collector Swatantra Kumar Singh transferred, Om Prakash Srivastava appointed new collector.

— ANI (@ANI) June 8, 2017

As farmer protests rage on, another farmer commits suicide in Maharashtra’s Sholapur

Even as the farmers’ agitation raged on for the eighth day today (Thursday), another farmer suicide was reported from Maharashtra’s  Sholapur district. Althoug the Maharashtra government has said that it will soon announce ’the largest farm loan waiver,’ a distressed farmer has ended his life in Sholapur district. The farmer has reportedly left behind a suicide note, asking his family to cremate him only when Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis visits his family and hears their problems, according to India Today TV.

Digvijay Singh seeks MP CM’s resignation

Congress leader Digvijay Singh has demanded that the Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan should take moral responsibility of the deaths of the five farmers, killed in the violent protests. Seeking Chauhan’s resignation, Singh said that the BJP government has failed the farmers, according to Times Now.

Rahul Gandhi leaves for Mandsaur

Day after violence and arson in western Madhya Pradesh, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi left Mandsaur to meet the family of those killed during the farmers’ agitation.

Delhi: Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi leaves for Madhya Pradesh’s #Mandsaur to meet family of those killed during farmers’ agitation. pic.twitter.com/mNbWgBC1Sl

— ANI (@ANI) June 8, 2017

SP and collector of Mandsaur district removed

After 5 farmer deaths in Madhya Pradesh, the state government removed the Superintendent of Police and the collector of Mandsaur district from their positions, ANI reported.

Madhya Pradesh Farmers' Protest: SP and collector of Mandsaur district removed from their positions.

— ANI (@ANI) June 8, 2017

Will be in #Mandsaur tomorrow to meet the families of farmers who lost their lives in the police firing yesterday: Congress VP Rahul Gandhi pic.twitter.com/zbIUqD7mmE

— ANI (@ANI) June 7, 2017

Five paramilitary forces on the way

Centre sends five additional paramilitary forces as five are already deployed to tackle the situation.  

MP farmers' protest: Central government to send 5 additional battalions of paramilitary force. 5 battalions already deployed.

— ANI (@ANI) June 7, 2017

Has the govt mishandled the farmers’ protest?

MoS Dhriteish Bajpai gives his opinion on it.

Has the govt mishandled the ongoing farmers protest? listen in to @drhiteshbajpai's comment on it. #Epicentre @shreyadhoundial pic.twitter.com/JRyOZaZeBy

— News18 (@CNNnews18) June 7, 2017

Vandalism affect bus operators

Sandeep Soni, CEO of Atal Indore city transport service told News18 that four of their buses had been burnt in the protests. However, the passengers were safe.

Our 4 buses have been burnt, passengers are safe: Sandeep Soni, CEO, Atal Indore city transport Service #MPFarmerUnrest pic.twitter.com/sCcHgIMcOk

— News18 (@CNNnews18) June 7, 2017

Visuals of protests in Dewas

​As the farmers’ strike spread in Madhya Pradesh on Wednesday, agitators torched multiple vehicles in Dewas.

Madhya Pradesh farmers' protest: Various vehicles torched in Dewas. pic.twitter.com/lbM4hP1q1x

— ANI (@ANI) June 7, 2017

Rajasthan: Farmers’ strike affects train services

The ongoing farmers strike in Mandsaur district has affected train services in Rajasthan. “Several trains have been diverted or cancelled,” a North-West Railways official told  Hindustan Times .

BJP promises to release proof of Congress’ involvement 

BJP General Secretary Kailash Vijayavargiya,told reporters that the BJP will release the videos of Congress leaders instigating the farmers.

We will release the videos how congress leaders are instigating the farmers: Kailash Vijayavargiya, BJP Gen Secy on #MPFarmerUnrest pic.twitter.com/oIYTHb2sbB

— News18 (@CNNnews18) June 7, 2017

I fail to understand how Congress was involved in firing: Ajay Singh

Leader of Opposition Ajay Singh told NDTV, “I fail to understand how is the congress involved, The chief minister did not even consult the opposition. He went ahead and took the decision with Bhartiya Kisan Sangh, and later claimed that all decisions have been met.”

“After that, others farmers felt let down and said we will not listen to this. On that CM had nothing to say. Only after police firing Congress wasa involved. Nobody else could have fired at os many people,” he added. 

On Wednesday, Leader of Opposition Ajay Singh was denied permission to visit Mandsaur.

Congress slams Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Twitter

​Shri Shivraj Chouhan’s hypocrisy lies exposed. For votes, he calls himself a farmer’s son, but orders firing on farmers. #FarmersMassacre

Congress accused Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan of ordering the firing on farmers. On their official Twitter page, Congress claimed that the Chouhan’s lies had been exposed while citing media reports of various news organisations.

Shri Shivraj Chouhan's hypocrisy lies exposed. For votes, he calls himself a farmer's son, but orders firing on farmers. #FarmersMassacre pic.twitter.com/FCvPBOcgxr

— Congress (@INCIndia) June 7, 2017

Punjab Congress demands resignation of Shivraj Singh Chouhan

The Punjab Congress on Wednesday demanded the resignation of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan over the death of five persons in the farmers’ agitation in the state.

“On one hand, the BJP government at the Centre has promised to double the income of farmers by 2022 and on the other, bullets were fired on growers demanding debt relief,” Punjab Congress chief Sunil Jakhar told reporters in Chandigarh.

PTI

Rajasthan peasants extend support to agitating farmers

A farmer’s body, Kisan Mahapanchayat based in Pratapgarh district on Wednesday decided to go to Mandsaur in Madhya Pradesh, to meet the families of those who were killed in Tuesday’s violence. 

The protests in Madhya Pradesh spilled into Rajasthan, as those from Pratapgarh, which is about 30 km from Mandsaur, stopped the supply of milk and vegetables for a day in support of their demands but later withdrew their stir after assurances from the administration.

PTI

Farmers vandalise vehicles, block roads in Sehore

As the farmers’ strike spread further in Madhya Pradesh on Wednesday, the agitators took to the streets and damaged movable property in Sehore. They also blocked roads as a part of protest for demanding loan waiver.

Here is a video from the incident:

#WATCH: Farmers in MP's Sehore vandalize vehicles & block roads as a part of protest for demanding loan waiver and better procurement prices pic.twitter.com/3ruS44j6fR

— ANI (@ANI) June 7, 2017

Rahul Gandhi to visit Mandsaur on Thursday, 

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi will visit Mandsaur to meet the agitated farmers on Thursday, despite BJP calling this as ‘photo op’ politics. Gandhi will take a flight on Thursday at 7 am to Mandsaur, India Today reported.
 

Meanwhile, Congress leader AM Singhvi slammed the BJP for not taking necessary actions. “Kisaan lagaate hain karzmaafi ki guhaar aur BJP karti hai goliyon ki bauchhar. (The farmers demands for a loan waiver while the BJP responds with barrage of bullets,” he said.

Kisaan lagaate hain karzmaafi ki guhaar aur BJP karti hai goliyon ki bauchhar: AM Singhvi,Congress #Mandsaur pic.twitter.com/SISTEKyCxc

— ANI (@ANI) June 7, 2017

Centre rushes reinforcements to Mandsaur

The Centre has rushed two of each Additional CRPF and RAF to Mandsaur, India Today reported. On Tuesday, the Madhya Pradesh Home Ministry had also written to the Union Home Ministry seeking extra forces.

Maharashtra: Farmers refuse to harvest crops, to meet in Nashik on Thursday

The farmers in Nashik have refused to harvest their crops following the Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’ ‘vague’ promise of loan waiver. Since the Kharif season is about to end, the farmers need to prepare their field to sow the crops for the Rabi season, something which won’t be possible unless the crops are harvested.

The farmers on strike will meet in Nashik on Thursday to discuss plans on the protest, NDTV reported.

Madhya Pradesh government seeks additional forces in affected districts

The Madhya Pradesh Home Ministry wrote to the Union Home Ministry asking for additional security forces in Neemuch, Mandsaur, Dewas, and Ujjain, where the farmers’ strike was on.

Meanwhile, at a press conference in Mumbai, RBI Governor Urjit Patel said that the topic of farm loan waiver needs to be discussed carefully

Madhya Pradesh Home Ministry writes to Union Home Ministry asking for additional forces in Neemuch,Mandsaur,Dewas and Ujjain

— ANI (@ANI) June 7, 2017

Farm loan waiver is a path that needs to be tread carefully: RBI Governor Urjit Patel

— ANI (@ANI) June 7, 2017

Narendra Singh Tomar backs Shivraj Singh Chouhan

Union minister Narendra Singh Tomar accused ‘some politicians’ for aggravating the situation. Tomar said that the Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan had worked a lot for farmers’ development. He also said that Rahul Gandhi should avoid going to Mandsaur while it’s volatile, NDTV reported.

Protests spread in Ujjain, Ratlam

​

The situation in Madhya Pradesh continue to remain tense. Suhatra police station SHO Shyam Babu Sharma was rushed to Mandsaur after he was attacked by protestors. Violence has also spread in Chandukhedi village in Ujjain, where 5 policemen were injured. Many farmers continue to sit in dharna.

Train services in Ratlam were disrupted after the railway line was reportedly damaged, _India Toda_y reported. 

​

​

Parked vehicles set on fire

During the ongoing protests, the vehicles parked outside a police station in Hatpipalya in Dewas district were set on fire.

Vehicles parked at a police station in Devas's Hatpipalya set on fire, during farmers' agitation in Madhya Pradesh.

— ANI (@ANI) June 7, 2017

Loans will be given at less interest rates, says MP minister

Madhya Pradesh minister A Chitnis said that a scheme called Krishi Rin Samadhan Yojana will be introduced to help defaulting farmers get money on credit. The loans will be provided at less interest rates.

Will start Krishi Rin Samadhan Yojana, whr interest rate on loans will be lesser;will help defaulting farmers to tk credit: A Chitnis,MP min pic.twitter.com/jihMtJQOCt

— ANI (@ANI) June 7, 2017

​PM Modi apprised of situation in Mandsaur

According to Times Now, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been apprised of the situation in Mandsaur after which he chaired a meeting with key ministers to discuss the situation in the Madhya Pradesh city.

Violence spills over to more villages in Mandsaur

The violent protests, which were earlier restricted to the Piplya Mandi village, have spilled over to Sitamau village in Mandsaur, according to Rohit Gupta, reporting from the area. The protesters have torched a local warehouse and a factory and several trucks and vehicles were also set on fire.

Shivraj Singh Chouhan must quit: Kamal Nath

Senior Congress leader Kamal Nath said that injustice has been done with the farmers. “I demand proper investigation into Mandsaur incident. Laashon par boli lagayi ja rahi hai, sharm ki baat hai. 5 lakh, 10 lakh, 1 crore ki baat kari (Dead bodies are being auctioned. The state government are speaking of Rs 5 lakh, 10 lakh and Rs 1 crore. It is shameful.)”

Kamal Nath further said that Chouhan must resign.“In the it is his responsibility and it will be unjustified if the blame is shifted on any police officer. 

Injustice with farmers in Madhya Pradesh, I demand proper investigation into Mandsaur incident: Kamal Nath,Congress MP pic.twitter.com/Cytd4MRM8Q

— ANI (@ANI) June 7, 2017

Laashon par boli lagayi ja rahi hai,sharm ki baat hai. 5 lakh, 10 lakh, 1 crore ki baat kari: Kamal Nath,Congress MP on Mandsaur incident pic.twitter.com/YBk06RdGRR

— ANI (@ANI) June 7, 2017

Shivraj Singh Chouhan must resign,at the end it is his responsibility, & it would be unjustified if shifted on any police officer:Kamal Nath pic.twitter.com/teME5ZnSBz

— ANI (@ANI) June 7, 2017

Congress tweets

Is this how Shivraj Chouhan Govt responds to farmers demands? A demand for a fair price is met with death. #FarmersMassacre pic.twitter.com/7eU7LlaMIO

— Congress (@INCIndia) June 7, 2017

Cannot recall such a massacre in recent past: Sharad Yadav

JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav said that he could not recall such a “massacre”. 

“They are giving death figures as five to six, but I believe there are more,” Yadav was quoted as saying by ANI. The JD(U) leader also added that he will accompany Rahul to Mandsaur. “We will go together if we do,” Yadav said. 

Can't recall such a massacre, they are giving death figures as 5,6 but I believe there are more: Sharad Yadav,JDU #Mandsaur incident pic.twitter.com/rRVQ0G7fjW

— ANI (@ANI) June 7, 2017

Met Rahul ji today, we are planning to go there (Mandsaur, MP). We will go together if we do: Sharad Yadav,JDU on #Mandsaur incident

— ANI (@ANI) June 7, 2017

Rahul Gandhi won’t partipate in farmers’ agitation

Congress leaders in Madhya Pradesh confirmed that Rahul Gandhi can reach Mandsaur “any moment now.” State Congress leader Mohan Prakash said , “Wrong info being spread that Rahul would participate in farmers’ agitation.”

#MPFarmerUnrest -- Farmers' agitation intensifies, vehicles set on fire in Mandsaur (Madhya Pradeah) pic.twitter.com/KOt9iClW0Z

— News18 (@CNNnews18) June 7, 2017

Shiv Sena boycotts cabinet meet to discuss farmers’ unrest

Sanjay Sawant of Firstpost reported that Shiv Sena boycotted cabinet meeting on farmer loans in Maharashtra.

Raman Singh backs Shivraj Singh Chouhan

Chhattisgarh chief minister Raman Singh backed Shivraj Singh Chouhan and said that the chief minister has always worked for the welfare of farmers. “Mandsaur incident is unfortunate,” Singh was quoted as saying by ANI. 

Shivraj ji has done a lot of work for farmers, in the agriculture sector. Mandsaur incident is unfortunate: Chhattisgarh CM Raman Singh pic.twitter.com/qd8rYL0uhf

— ANI (@ANI) June 7, 2017

BJP MP Nand Kumar Chauhan stopped 50km away from Mandsaur

Journalist Rohit Gupta told Firstpost that the BJP MP from Khandwa constituency, Nand Kumar Chauhan was enroute Mandsaur to talk to the protesting farmers and the family of the deceased protesters. However, the local administration stopped the BJP leader 50 km away from the district, as protests raged on in the area.

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi, who had earlier announced that he will visit the protesting farmers in Mandsaur was also denied permission to visit the region.

Farmers's agitation further intensifies in Madhya Pradesh's Mandsaur, 8-10 vehicles set on fire pic.twitter.com/xPe4ZFBlJM

— ANI (@ANI) June 7, 2017

Rahul Gandhi didnt get permission to visit deceased farmers’ village

Congress general secretary of MP unit Mohan Prakash told ANI that Rahul Gandhi wanted to visit deceased farmers’ village to take part in funeral but state administration have not given permission.

Rahul Gandhi wanted to visit deceased farmers' village to take part in funeral but administration didn't permit:Cong Gen Secy Mohan Prakash pic.twitter.com/IVncrTWtMC

— ANI (@ANI) June 7, 2017

But Rahul Gandhi can reach there any moment. Wrong info being spread that he would participate in farmers' agitation: Mohan Prakash to ANI

— ANI (@ANI) June 7, 2017

CRPF jawans outnumbered by protesting farmers

Rohit Gupta further told Firstpost that the CRPF jawans, deployed to disperse the agitating crowd, were outnumbered by the farmers. Hence, the Madhya Pradesh government has urged more troops be deployed from neighbouring districts.

Protesting farmers have surrounded a police chowky in the area, Gupta told Firstpost and the MP administration is looking at increasing vigilance in the region since Congress leader Rahul Gandhi might visit Mandsaur today.

Farmers protested with the bodies of those killed on Tuesday 

Reporting from Mandsaur, journalist Rohit Gupta told Firstpost that the farmers had taken the bodies of those killed (on Tuesday) and blocked the highway with them. Protests went on for a while on Wednesday, after which Mandsaur collector reached the spot where agitating protesters heckled him. Authorities present at the protest reassured the farmers and told them to go back. The deceased were cremated after that. Protesting farmers said that ex-gratia of Rs 1 crore announced by the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government is not enough, “They can take Rs 2 crore from us.”

MP faces shortage of milk and vegetables

As Maharashtra moved to control an ongoing protest by farmers with a loan waiver, a similar protest in Madhya Pradesh took a violent turn on Tuesday when at least five farmers were killed and eight others injured in two separate incidents of firing in Mandsaur. Farmers have been observing strike from 1 June to 10 June to press their demands with the government.

On Monday, the chief minister had assured farmers that onions would be purchased by the government at Rs 8 per kg and ‘moong’ pulse at agreed price, and that a Rs 1,000 crore stabilisation fund would be set up. Though the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh has called off its strike, other farmer organisations have continued the agitation.

The state has been facing shortage of milk and vegetables, leading to a price hike. Farmers poured milk on the Agra-Malwa road last week and stopped trucks from carrying vegetables to markets. Several parts of the state faced a similar situation.

CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury tweets this:

Slamming Narendra Modi-led Centre’s hypocrisy over farmers and agricultural policy of the BJP, Yechury tweeted, “Farmers protesting all over, being shot at or committing suicide. And one man is issuing ads celebrating himself in the garb of agriculture.”

Farmers protesting all over, being shot at or committing suicide. And one man is issuing ads celebrating himself in the garb of agriculture pic.twitter.com/9EFMe2Yqew

— Sitaram Yechury (@SitaramYechury) June 7, 2017

BJP govt treating farmers as terrorists: Sharad Yadav

Many politicians and eminent personalities slammed the BJP government over the raging farmers’ protest in Madhya Pradesh. JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav condemned alleged firing on farmers in Madhya Pradesh, which left at least two persons dead, and accused the BJP government of treating farmers as “enemies and terrorists”.

He said that the farmers in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh have been demanding fair price and loan waiver for the last few days but state governments had remained unmoved.

“Instead of giving them solace, the government has attacked farmers agitating for genuine demands. Situation is that the Madhya Pradesh government has disconnected the cell phone and internet connections. It shows that the ruling party is treating farmers as enemy and terrorists which is regrettable,” the JD(U) leader said.

Rahul likely to visit Mandsaur today

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi hit out at the government over the farmer’s protest, saying it is at war with them and “feeding” them with bullets for demanding their rights.

Referring to the violence during the ongoing farmers’ agitation in Mandsaur, he said, “This government is at war with the farmers of our country.”

“In BJP’s new India, farmers demanding their rights get bullets in return,” he said in a tweet.

This Govt is at war with the farmers of our country#Mandsaur #MadhyaPradesh https://t.co/HQsjluDUPg

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) June 6, 2017

BJP के न्यू इंडिया में हक़ मांगने पर हमारे अन्नदाताओं को गोली मिलती है?#Mandsaur #MadhyaPradesh https://t.co/j0OLcVrjsq

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) June 6, 2017

Farmers in Madhya Pradesh worse off than stone-pelters in Kashmir?

Farmers remained agitated in Mandsaur alleging that they were being treated worse than stone pelters of Kashmir. They also rejected compensation announced by the Madhya Pradesh government. News18 reported that the family of the student shot dead in alleged police firing in Mandsaur on Tuesday staged a road jam in Mandsaur demanding chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s arrival on the spot on Wednesday.

Both BJP-ruled agrarian states need long-term policy measures

In both Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, the farmers’ demands are almost similar: they want complete farm loan waiver as a short-term palliative and secondly, institutionalised mechanism for getting better prices for agricultural produce.

Incidentally, both the states are ruled by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP); in Maharashtra, it is an alliance government with Shiv Sena, the latter, however, is a junior partner. It is therefore alarming for the BJP, which also rules at the Centre, to face the farmers’ wrath as the ruling party has made the ambitious plan to double the farmers’ income in the next five years.

It is all the more disturbing for the BJP as Madhya Pradesh under Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s stewardship has been hailed as the biggest success story for agriculture in the recent decades.

MP chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has called for an emergency cabinet meeting after fresh clashes were reported in Mandsaur

Madhya Pradesh CM @ChouhanShivraj has called an emergency cabinet meeting over #MPFarmerUnrest (file photo) pic.twitter.com/QW5VZBQrdC

— News18 (@CNNnews18) June 7, 2017

Venkaiah Naidu goes on to say:

Vehicles burnt and tracks destroyed,this can't be just farmers, people are using them to create this unrest: @MVenkaiahNaidu #MPFarmerUnrest pic.twitter.com/ld7qSLa41D

— News18 (@CNNnews18) June 7, 2017

Naidu tells Congress not to politicise farmers’ issue

Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu, speaking to ANI, urged the Congress not to politicise the issue of farmers’ strike. “Don’t fuel violence in the name of farmers,” Naidu was quoted as saying by ANI. 

The statement hardly comes as a surprise as it’s usually a standard practice by politicians when faced with crisis. 

Madhya Pradesh is an island of peace. I tell Congress don't politicise, don't fuel violence in the name of farmers: Venkaiah Naidu #Mandsaur pic.twitter.com/Y52LLII9T6

— ANI (@ANI) June 7, 2017

BJP’s Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi says: 

We are with the farmers and we are finding all possible ways to sort out the problem in Mandsaur: Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on farmers' protest

— News18 (@CNNnews18) June 7, 2017

There was no order to open fire, I have assured them (farmers) a strict action: #Mandsaur collector Swantra Singh. pic.twitter.com/FDUiGxSK4F

— ANI (@ANI) June 7, 2017

Farmers demand Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s presence

ANI reports that the fresh clashes in Mandsaur started as the SP and Mandsaur collector were late in their meeting with the farmers. The protesters demanded chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s presence. 

Madhya Pradesh: Protesting farmers got into a scuffled with #Mandsaur collector and SP for delay in their visit, demand presence of MP CM. pic.twitter.com/H6Q9W2kWIi

— ANI (@ANI) June 7, 2017

Fresh violence reported in Madhya Pradesh’s Mandsaur

Fresh violence in MP -- Mandsaur farmers' scuffle with district collector pic.twitter.com/UkeZKwYL8I

— News18 (@CNNnews18) June 7, 2017