The Asian Age

Anti-socials behind stir: Rajnath

Union minister appeals to farmers to support state govts in crisis

- AGE CORRESPOND­ENT

Union home minister Rajnath Singh claimed on Wednesday that he had informatio­n indicating that anti-social elements were involved in incidents of confrontat­ions between farmers and the police in Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh.

Mr Singh, who was in Mumbai for the BJP party workers’ rally as part of third anniversar­y celebratio­ns of the Modi government, said: “Since the magistrate enquiry is going on, it will not be right to say anything. But I have informatio­n about how some anti social forces were there. However, I will not speak about it now.”

Mr Singh appealed to the agitating farmers to support the state government­s in this crisis. “Our Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtr­a chief ministers are handling the farmer’s issue very sensitivel­y. They are working for the welfare of the farmers. I appeal to farmers of both states to support them,” said Mr Singh.

After 5 farmers were killed in a firing in Madhya Pradesh, the stir has hit the national headlines and the BJP is facing flak from all corners over the firing on farmers in Mandsur and the Maharashtr­a agitation. In an effort to tone down the issue, Mr Singh said, “It will be not good to send armed forces to Mandsur against farmers. We are with farmers in today’s crisis. We will not do anything that will breach the trust of farmers and common people.”

 ?? — SHRIPAD NAIK ?? Union Home minister Rajnath Singh at the press conference in Mumbai on Thursday.
— SHRIPAD NAIK Union Home minister Rajnath Singh at the press conference in Mumbai on Thursday.

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