Ready to face any probe CM wants, says Shetti

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis' statement that workers of political parties were behind violence during the farmers' agitation has not gone down well with BJP ally Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghtana.

Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghtana (SSS) MP from Hatkanangale, Raju Shetti, who has been spearheading the movement for agri loan waiver, said, "I am ready for any kind of investigation the chief minister wants to carry out. It does not affect me at all."

Fadnavis had on Tuesday said that workers of political parties and not farmers were indulging in violence.

The chief minister had also said that he has compiled a list of all the incidents which were reported across the state such as road blockades, and asserted that all these were carried out by political activists "hiding" behind farmers to capitalise on the situation.

Shetti had on Tuesday in Miraj hinted that his party would soon decide on pulling out of the BJP-led government. The SSS MP further said he was "remorseful" for being part of the Fadnavis government.

He said, "A special meeting has been organised in New Delhi at Gandhi Peace Foundation where farmer leaders from various states will come together to discuss the next strategy for a nationwide agitation. I am personally attending it on June 16."

About the ongoing strike in the state, Shetti said, "Various farmers organisations are meeting in Nashik tomorrow (Thursday). A steering committee has been formed and solution can be discussed with the entire committee.