Shivraj Singh Chouhan begins indefinite fast, says Madhya Pradesh can't prosper without development of farmers

Amid spiralling protest by Madhya Pradesh farmers, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Saturday began his indefinite fast.

Bhopal: Various farmers' organisations from around the country will be assembling in Ratlam on Sunday to support the ongoing unrest in Madhya Pradesh and pay tributes to the farmers killed in police firing.

LIVE updates:

- Congress workers stage a demonstration against Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in Bhopal.

- Non-violence is Gandhiji's principle. I have decided to follow his footstep, Chouhan says.

- I can feel the pain of caning farmers and genuinely want to stop this violence, Chouhan further says.

- I request people not to burn up the state. All problems can be resolved peacefully, he adds,

- My life is dedicated to farmers. Their wellbeing is the mission of my life, the CM says.

- Will ensure an enquiry into the violent incidents. The culprits will not be spared, Chouhan announces.

- All efforts are directed at doubling farmers income and making agriculture remunerative, the CM asserts.

- Will leave no stone unturned for the betterment of the farmers, he adds.

- In last 11.5 years have worked tirelessly for all classes of young, women, farmers. Development has been the focus of my government, says Chouhan.

- Chouhan addresses the gathering, says more than 65 percent of the country's population is dependent on farming, adding that MP can't progress without farmers.

- State Agriculture Minister Gauri Shankar Bisen categorically refuses to provide any relief, saying the government has already been providing interest free loans and hence there`s no need for a waiver.

- Amid farmers' stir, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister begins indefinite fast in Bhopal for restoration of peace.

- CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan reaches Bhopal's Dussehra Maidan to sit on fast "for peace".

Mandsaur, the epicentre of farmers' agitation in Madhya Pradesh, remained peaceful on Friday.

While addressing a press conference, the CM said he would be available at the Dussehra Maidan from 11 am Saturday for farmers to come and discuss their issues but asserted that unruly elements would be dealt with strictly.

The opposition slammed him for his "drama" and "hypocrisy".

The farmers in the state are protesting over a demand for loan waivers from June 1 and setting suitable prices for the crops. During the protests six farmers have been killed in police firing in Mandsaur district while other regions of the state are also staging violent protests.

A wary central government, meanwhile, asked states adjoining Madhya Pradesh to keep strict vigil against the spread of farmers' protest.

The central government is in touch with states such as Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Maharashtra, and sensitising them against any possible protest by farmers, officials said in Delhi.